TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded in the scenic mountain town of Truckee, California, when a vehicle deliberately drove into pedestrians outside a grocery store, injuring several individuals. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon at the entrance of the Truckee Safeway, where a 49-year-old man from Coalinga in the San Joaquin Valley struck four people, including children. Fortunately, their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening.
According to local police, they believe the driver intentionally targeted the pedestrians and the grocery store itself. Witnesses described the distressing scene, with one shopper, Scotty Mathewson, recounting how he heard the impactful crash followed by frantic screaming. Mathewson, shopping with his wife at the time, immediately reacted by assisting others in checking if anyone was trapped beneath debris or the pickup truck.
While Mathewson's wife contacted 911, he noted the presence of a youth baseball team fundraising near the entrance of the store. As chaos ensued, parents frantically searched for their children, adding to the urgency of the situation. Mathewson remarked on the surreal nature of the event, drawing attention to how such tragedies often seem distant when viewed through media, but become palpably real when experienced firsthand.
Despite the panic, bystanders attempted to confront the driver, who remained "calmly sitting" inside the vehicle, which was locked. Efforts to open the doors by pedestrians and shoppers were unsuccessful. Shortly after, law enforcement arrived and detained the driver without incident. He was subsequently booked on multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, felony vandalism, and violation of probation. The driver was taken to a detention facility in Nevada City, approximately an hour's drive from Truckee.
As of Saturday evening, there was no information available regarding public contact or legal representation for the driver. The town of Truckee, which has a population of about 17,000 residents, is renowned for its stunning winter landscapes and its proximity to popular locations such as Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake. February is noted as a particularly busy month for winter sports enthusiasts who flock to the area for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
This incident has left a community shaken, underscoring the unpredictability of violence in daily life and the urgency of emergency response in crisis situations. The Truckee community now faces the aftermath of this shocking event and its implications on public safety and communal well-being.
