Car Crashes Into Castro Valley Trader Joe's Injuring Several People

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — A car crashed all the way into the Trader Joe's market in Castro Valley Thursday afternoon, causing severe damage to the store and injuring at least four people, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Four to six people were hit by either the car, debris or other objects. All of the injuries were minor or moderate, CHP Officer Dan Jacowitz said.

Authorities do not believe the driver intentionally drove into the store nor do they think drugs or alcohol played a role, Jacowitz said. The driver was an elderly person who was in the parking lot and accelerated into the front of the store.

The Alameda County Fire Department received reports of the crash at 3:45 p.m., according to the app PulsePoint.

The fire department released multiple photos on its Twitter page, after victims were helped.

The fire department sent at least 8 units to the scene to help victims.

Firefighters also made sure the building was structurally sound."Fire crews didn't need to shore up any portion of the building as the buildings support structures remained intact," Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto told Patch.

Other than our social media posts, no further press releases are scheduled.

Ryan Nishimoto, Deputy Chief, Operations

A 2005 Toyota Avalon went 50 feet inside the store, through cashiers who were tending to customers.

The California Highway Patrol and Alameda County Sheriff's Office also responded to the emergency.

Trader Joe's is at 22224 Redwood Road in Castro Valley.

Bay City News contributed to this story.