Carwash Files Lawsuit to Inspect SUV That Hit Customer

UPDATE: (3:21 p.m.)— officials have filed a motion to inspect an SUV that crashed through its window, critically injuring one of its customers.

Kevin Mellett, 45, of Odenton on Aug. 18 after a black GMC Acadia crashed through Maritime's window, pinning him between an aluminum support bar and the car, said an eye witness.

"I was sitting there alongside the window, and it sounded like a bomb went off," the eyewitness told Patch on Aug. 18. "It threw glass back at least 15 feet across the room."

Hospital spokeswoman Cindy Rivers told Patch that Mellett is still listed in critical condition at the hospital more than two weeks after the accident. Rivers was unable to give additional details due to patient confidentiality laws.

The SUV was driven by Maritime employee Amare Asiradew, 24, but court documents show the Acadia belongs to Dianna and Jack Childress, of Annapolis. The car wash states in its petition that Dianna Childress drove the vehicle home after the accident, and she refused to let employees inspect the vehicle.

Baltimore-based attorney Imoh E. Akpan filed a motion on behalf of the car wash in Anne Arundel Circuit Court on Aug. 29 to "request to enter upon land and inspect vehicle and perpetuate other evidence in anticipation of litigation."

On Friday, Judge Alison Asti granted the motion, giving the Childresses five days to respond.

Patch is awaiting confirmation that Mellett is still recovering at Shock Trauma.