Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Dash cam video submitted to CTV News caught the moment of impact at 8 p.m., when a black SUV crashed into a parked red sedan at a high rate of speed. That sedan ended up backwards in the flower shop, and the SUV up against a barrier in front of Winners.
“It could have had tragic consequences,” said North Vancouver RCMP Cpl. Brett Urano. “Fortunately there were no injuries, but it was suspected that alcohol was a factor, and a woman is currently being investigated for alcohol-related offences regarding the crash.”
By Sunday morning, the flower shop, Special Moments Flowers and Gifts, was boarded up. Loyal customers were shocked.
“Seeing the flower shop closed, my first reaction was I hope they are okay and it’s not forever closed. That they are hit by a drunk driver, that’s just really unfortunate to hear that happens,” said customer and North Vancouver resident Sieneke Toering. “I really like going there, the staff is always super friendly and helpful, and they have beautiful offerings. I feel for them. Hopefully they can fix it and re-open.”
The fact the flower shop was heavily damaged just a week before Mother’s Day, one of the biggest days of the year in that industry, isn’t lost on police.
“Hopefully they will be able to still run somehow and deal with Mother’s Day and the upcoming week and taking care of their orders and helping their customers, even with the damage to their shop,” said Urano.
He added this collision is a reminder of what can happen when someone chooses to drink and drive.
“It was still early early in the evening just after dinner, and this could have had totally tragic consequences,” Urano said. “If you’re going to consume alcohol or things like that, you always want to plan for a safe ride home. In this case, someone it’s suspected that they haven’t, and it resulted in a signifiant crash that could have injured many people.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company. Shareholders voted Monday in favour of a $2.50 per share offer from Trilogy Retail Holdings Inc. and Trilogy Investments L.P., which have a 56 per cent stake in Indigo and are owned by Gerald Schwartz, the spouse of Indigo chief executive Heather Reisman.
Canada pledges visas for 5,000 Gaza residents related to Canadians
Canada said on Monday it would grant temporary visas to 5,000 Gaza residents under a special program for Canadians' relatives living in the war-torn enclave, a preparatory move in case they are able to leave in the future.
What Canadian grocery shoppers need to know about anticompetitive allegations
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
Latest deadly weather in U.S. kills at least 20 as storms carve path of ruin across multiple states
Powerful storms killed at least 20 people, injured hundreds and left a wide trail of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where dozens sought shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea launched a rocket likely carrying a second spy satellite. It's unclear if successful
North Korea launched a rocket likely carrying its second military spy satellite on Monday night, hours after its announcement of a plan to put a satellite into orbit drew strong rebukes from its neighbours.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
'We're standing strong': Rally held outside Jewish school in Toronto hit with gunfire
Toronto’s Jewish community held a rally Monday morning outside of a Jewish girls’ school which was hit with gunfire over the weekend and said they won't be intimidated by acts of violence.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.