Car Drives into Mexican Restaurant in Dublin, Several Injured

By AUTUMN JOHNSON

Customers inside Taqueria Los Pericos in Dublin were shocked this evening when a car drove through the front window, hitting and injuring several people inside. The crash at 7425 Village Parkway was reported around 6:16 p.m., according to the Pulsepoint phone application.

Los Pericos regulars and San Ramon residents Nancy Evangelista and her friend, Al Beliso, were inside the eatery at the time of the crash. Evangelista said customers were standing in line when the black Ford Mustang came through the front glass windows. According to Beliso and Evangelista, the car was moving slowly the entire time.

“The car was pulling in, just kept going and never stopped,” Evangelista said.

Beliso said the crash was extremely loud, tossing tables and leaving a sea of glass on the floor. Evangelista and Beliso, both employees of PG&E, said they had recently completed emergency response training for work and were able to help administer first aid to at least three of the people struck by the car, a man, woman and girl, until emergency personnel arrived several minutes later.

Diners inside reported that one of those injured was a pregnant woman. Another diner said one of the victims was pulled out from under the car moments after the crash.

Evangelista said she saw the three victims taken by ambulance.

“It could have been much worse,” she said.

Alameda County Fire spokesperson Aisha Knowles said a total of six people were injured. Dublin Police officials said the 56-year-old female driver was attempting to park her vehicle in the front of the business when she accidentally accelerated, causing her car to crash through the front of the business.

“All six injured parties were transported to local hospitals,” Lt. Nate Schmidt said. “Although several of the injured parties suffered serious injuries, none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. The driver of the incident is also receiving medical attention as a result of the accident.”

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.

Photo credit: Nancy Evangelista