A multi-vehicle collision outside a busy Starbucks sent shockwaves through the shopping center Sunday afternoon, leaving multiple people injured and one man wandering away from the scene before emergency crews arrived.
Body-worn audio and eyewitness accounts describe frantic moments as bystanders and first responders scrambled to help victims. “We got a kid in the back… I got it, I got it,” one witness can be heard saying, as people pulled crash victims from wrecked vehicles and tried to stop bleeding. Moments later, someone alerted officers that a passenger from one of the cars had started walking away from the scene. “We got an individual walking away from the scene that was the passenger of one of the vehicles approaching. I’ll try to contact him first,” a responder radioed.
When police located the man near the coffee shop, he appeared dazed and confused. “What happened to me?” he asked, while rescuers reassured him and encouraged him to stay still. Medics quickly assessed a number of victims on the pavement, one of whom groaned, “My hand is broken, isn’t it?” A paramedic confirmed the injury was worse than a simple fracture: “Your arm is broken. Not just your hand, but your arm.”
Witnesses said the crash involved at least two vehicles, one described as a Toyota 4Runner that appeared to have broadsided or struck another car. “The 4Runner… they want to come off and hit the other car,” one bystander reported, describing the chaotic sequence as cars collided and debris scattered across the parking lot.
Eyewitnesses and first responders worked in tandem to move injured people out of harm’s way. “We got you out of the car,” an officer told one of the stunned victims. Others called for space and urged onlookers to clear the area so emergency personnel could work. “People up there with an injured guy as well from the accident — get out of the way!” a dispatcher advised.
An ambulance arrived on scene within minutes, and medics began triaging injuries. At least one victim required immobilization for suspected fractures before being transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities on scene confirmed multiple people were treated, though the full extent of their injuries has not yet been released.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. Officers are interviewing drivers, passengers and witnesses to determine how the crash occurred and whether speed, impairment, distracted driving or other factors played a role. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, including the Starbucks, may also aid investigators in reconstructing the timeline.
As shoppers and commuters watched anxiously, the scene served as a reminder of how quickly everyday errands can turn dangerous. Those who witnessed the collision praised the quick actions of passersby who rushed in to help. “People jumped out and started pulling folks from the wreckage right away,” one witness said. “If it weren’t for them, things could have been much worse.”
Police urged anyone who saw the crash or who has dash-cam or security footage to come forward and contact the department. Officials also reminded drivers to remain at the scene of a crash and to seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor — issues like internal trauma and fractures sometimes worsen without immediate care.
The identities of the injured have not been released pending family notifications. Further updates will be provided as investigators and medical personnel release more information.
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