TRUCKEE, Calif. — In a disturbing incident on Saturday afternoon, a vehicle struck pedestrians at the entrance of a Safeway grocery store located in the mountain town of Truckee, California, resulting in injuries to four individuals, some of whom were children. According to a statement issued by local police, the 49-year-old male driver came from Coalinga, a city in California's San Joaquin Valley, and deliberately drove into the front area of the store.
The injured parties were reported to have sustained injuries that were not life-threatening following the collision. Law enforcement authorities have charged the driver with assault using a deadly weapon, felony vandalism, and a violation of probation. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody at a jail facility in Nevada City, approximately an hour’s drive from Truckee, situated across a 7,000-foot elevation mountain pass.
Eyewitness Scotty Mathewson, 39, who was shopping with his wife at the time of the incident, recounted the chaotic moments following the collision. He said that the vehicle crashed suddenly, followed by screams from those present. While Mathewson’s wife dialed emergency services, he assisted others in checking the scene to ensure no individuals were trapped beneath debris or the front of the pickup truck.
Mathewson detailed that a local youth baseball team had been raising funds at a table positioned in front of the Safeway when the driver accelerated into the crowd. Parents anxiously tried to locate their children amid the turmoil caused by the crash. He noted the incident felt disturbingly real compared to watching similar events in the media.
Witnesses further reported attempting to confront the driver, who remained inside the vehicle with the doors locked. Despite the intense atmosphere, the driver displayed a calm demeanor until officers arrived and detained him within minutes. Authorities have not yet disclosed any public statements or legal representation associated with the suspect as of the evening following the event.
Truckee is a community of roughly 17,000 residents, celebrated for its scenic winter landscapes and its proximity to popular destinations such as Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake. February is generally a busy month for outdoor winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, attracting visitors from various regions.