Car Hits Wilson Avenue Deli in Port Monmouth

The driver of a Pontiac Aztek smashed into the lottery counter of the Wilson Avenue Deli around 10:45 a.m. Saturday morning, leaving a large hole in the front of the store.

The Pontiac's driver and his passenger were transported to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank with minor injuries  Another motorist, whose car was also hit by the Pontiac, was also taken to Riverview with minor injuries.

Police responded to the scene along with Port Monmouth First Aid, Leonardo First Aid & Rescue and Port Monmouth Fire Company. Police did not release informaton about the accident, saying a report would be released Monday. 

Kumar Patel, the son of the owner, said the car was traveling on Wilson Avenue towards Route 36. "I believe his brakes failed. To avoid colliding with the car in front of him, he swerved to the right. He hit a car, then a picnic table. From there, he went straight into the store."

Hetal and Rocky Patel were serving one customer in the store when it happened. "They were right there," said Kumar Patel, who was told the story when he came in to work Saturday. "As soon as he saw the car, Rocky, he pulled his wife and pulled her back. Glass was flying everywhere. The counter was pushed back six inches. It was almost destroyed,"

Contractors were on site Saturday night making repairs. 

The driver of the Pontiac is known to the Patels, who serve up hot coffee, lottery tickets and their signature sandwich, the Bomber, made with fried potatoes, fried onions, egg and pork roll.  "We know him, he's a good customer. Accidents happen," Kumar Patel said. 

All day long, concerned customers stopped in to inquire about what happened. Gita Patel, who normally works the mornings but did not this day, said she was "overjoyed" by the kindnesses expressed by the neighborhood. "It's like a family here," she said.