Ephrata driver crashes into restaurant
Wendy's Steakhouse and Tavern, in Ephrata, was damaged after an SUV crashed into the restaurant's front side on Wednesday afternoon.
EPHRATA - An Ephrata male teenage driver crashed into a downtown Ephrata restaurant on Wednesday.
The 16-year-old driver from Ephrata was taking a left onto Division Avenue from Basin Street Northwest when he reportedly stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal in a Chrysler SUV, according to Ephrata police officer Joe Downey.
The SUV drove up on the sidewalk and ran into the front side of Wendy's Steakhouse and Tavern on Division Avenue in Ephrata.
Ephrata firefighters and an ambulance responded to the wreck.
No one inside the SUV suffered any major injuries, according to Downey.
A passenger in the SUV, Jody White, 36, Ephrata, was treated for a reported abrasion from the seat belt, said Downey.
The SUV also had a young child in the backseat, who was properly restrained and not hurt, he said.
The SUV had extensive front end damage and a flat tire from the incident and was to be towed from the scene.
He said about three individuals were inside the restaurant when the SUV struck the building.
No one inside of the restaurant was hurt, according to Downey.
The restaurant had its front window and door destroyed.
Police determined the wreck did not cause structural damage to the restaurant.
Downey said the driver had just come back from getting his drivers' permit.
Ephrata police are investigating and may decide to cite the driver, he said.