Accident gives new meaning to curb-side service
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Diners got more than a hot meal at their table at Riverside Inn shortly after noon on Monday when a pickup failed to stop, plowing into the front of the building.
“Michael Robinson, 47, of Mapleton, pulled into the parking lot and tried to stop. He reportedly lost his brakes and ran into the building,” said Sgt. Laurie Kelly, of the Presque Isle Police Department.
Robinson was operating a an older model Ford Ranger XLT when he lost control of his vehicle at around 12:45 p.m. Oct. 22, striking the building and shattering a large window, sending shards of glass flying through the restaurant.
A couple seated at the table narrowly missed being injured in the accident.
“A couple were seated at the table next to the window. The woman looked up just in time to see the truck heading toward the building. She warned the man with her and they both jumped out of the way,” said Chief Darrell White, of the Presque Isle Fire Department.
The couple reportedly sustained minor abrasions from the glass as it sprayed the interior of the diner. No other injuries were reported. The couple were treated at the scene by Crown Ambulance staff.
Officer Jeff Mechalko, of the PIPD, interviewed the driver and witnesses at the scene. Robinson reportedly realized he had no brakes, panicked and turned the vehicle off, hoping that would stop it from hitting the building. Unfortunately, that caused him to lose all steering capability.
Mechalko reported Robinson truck sustained front-end damage and was towed by Cowett’s Towing Service. According to Kelly, officials have been called in to thoroughly inspect the pickup to determine the exact cause of the accident.
“The investigation continues as to the cause of the accident. Charges may follow, pending the outcome of the investigation,” said Kelly.
A crew from the PIFD also responded to assist at the scene.
Damage to the restaurant and pickup was estimated at approximately $10,000. By Monday afternoon, the window had been boarded over and cleanup had begun.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
GETTING THE FACTS – Officer Jeff Mechalko, of the Presque Isle Police Department, interviews driver Michael Robinson, of Mapleton, about what happened to cause Robinson’s pickup to run into the Riverside Inn diner downtown. Firefighters with the Presque Isle Fire Department are pictured in back looking over the damage. The cause of the accident has been tentatively identified as faulty brakes. No one was seriously injured as the result of the accident.
