Prius Strikes Pair Of Patrons On Plaza In Downtown Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — A disoriented driver struck two diners in downtown Evanston Tuesday morning, police said.

Around 11:30 a.m., a 33-year-old Chicago woman behind the wheel of a Toyota Prius was driving north on Orrington Avenue when she turned into oncoming traffic on Davis Street, Sgt. Tony Correa told Patch.

"The driver became disoriented and suddenly turned onto the sidewalk, hitting a street sign and striking 2 people that were eating lunch in the outdoor seating area of the plaza," according to Correa.

The outdoor seating area at the Chandler Building, 630 Davis St., is adjacent to restaurants, including an Aloha Poke and Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and across the street from Fountain Square.

The two people struck by the Prius, aged 19 and 20, were taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Correa said. Hospital staff said both were alert.

The driver was not injured, but police said she was issued unspecified traffic citations.