Car smashes into Brooklyn deli storefront in Carroll Gardens; 2 taken to hospital
CARROLL GARDENS, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A quiet Sunday morning in Carroll Gardens was shattered by the sound of screeching tires and a violent crash that sent a vehicle into the front of a neighborhood deli.
For deli worker Roberto Febles, the noise was impossible to ignore.
"We heard a screeching of the tires. I said, 'I think it was an accident,'" Febles recalled.
The crash happened around 8:30 a.m. Sunday at Garden Gourmet Deli and Grill on Henry Street. Febles was working behind the counter when two vehicles collided outside.
Deli owner Khalid Sarsour was standing nearby and initially feared the building was coming down.
"We thought that the ceiling was collapsing, so we ran in the back for protection," Sarsour said.
According to police, a 23-year-old man driving a white Mercedes was traveling the wrong way on Henry Street with a female passenger inside. At the same time, a 37-year-old man was driving a dark-colored Audi.
Investigators said the Mercedes struck the Audi, sending it crashing into the front of the deli.
Sarsour said the timing may have prevented a much worse outcome.
"Five or six customers came in early to pick up sandwiches and left. The accident occurred after they left," he said.
Video from the scene shows an NYPD detective, who appeared to narrowly avoid being struck, rushing to the Mercedes after the crash. The detective ordered the driver out of the vehicle and took him into custody.
Witnesses said the driver could be heard repeatedly apologizing. The female passenger was heard crying out in pain, and witnesses said she appeared to have a broken arm.
The Audi driver climbed out of his vehicle barefoot while carrying a small dog. Though visibly shaken, he did not appear to be seriously injured.
With the local precinct nearby, additional officers quickly responded and checked on employees inside the deli.
The crash may have ended at the deli, but witnesses said the incident began at least two blocks away.
"I heard this revved-up motor, and before I knew it there was a white car flying down the wrong way," said witness Carmella Pipitone.
Witnesses estimated the Mercedes was traveling at least 70 miles per hour.
Despite the dramatic collision and extensive damage, residents and business owners say they are amazed that no one was killed.
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