A vehicle veered off the road and crashed into the front entrance of a Home Hardware store in Saskatoon early Friday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. CST on Central Avenue in the Sutherland neighborhood. Upon arrival, the Saskatoon Fire Department found the car inside the store where the front tills had been located. They inspected the damage and ensured the vehicle was not running or leaking any fluids.
Although no one was inside the vehicle, surveillance cameras captured three individuals fleeing the scene after the crash. Saskatoon Police reported that the suspects had not been apprehended, and the hit-and-run unit was handling the investigation.
Store owner Wyatt Zacharias received a call from the authorities and arrived at the scene at around 3:30 a.m. CST to discover the entrance of his establishment severely damaged. Zacharias expressed gratitude that the incident occurred after hours when the store was closed, emphasizing the potential danger had there been customers or employees present.
Zacharias noted that everyone involved appeared unharmed based on the surveillance footage, including the driver and passengers. He highlighted the importance of the safety of individuals over material possessions, stating that belongings are replaceable while lives are not.
Despite the chaos, Zacharias mobilized his construction team, managing to restore the storefront and open for business by 8 a.m. the same day. He mentioned that immediate repairs were made to the front of the store and a temporary till system was set up. Additionally, Zacharias anticipated more extensive repairs to take up to two months and cost between $30,000 and $40,000.
The community rallied around Zacharias and his business, offering support and assistance following the incident. Neighboring businesses extended help, with some providing treats and aid, showcasing the solidarity of the community during challenging times.
