Video Captures Car Smashing Head-On Into Scotch Plains Comic Shop

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A car smashed head-on into the Scotch Plains' A Little Shop of Comics early Saturday morning and it was all caught on video. (See video below)

"A Little Shop of Comics is temporarily closed. A car smashed into the front of the building causing structural damage. We will keep you informed as the situation evolves," said owners Steven and Lena Olsen.

The crash occurred on Oct. 16 at 1:45 a.m. In the video at about 20 seconds in, you can see a silver 2011 Mazda CX7 barreling down Front Street before crashing head-on into the comic shop at 387 Park Ave. while taking out a traffic pole along the way. The SUV does not appear to stop or hit the brakes.

Two people can then be seen getting out of the SUV and just walking away before police arrive.

Police found the SUV crashed into and was partially inside the front of a building, said Scotch Plains Police Captain Jeffrey Briel.

Scotch Plains, Union, and Elizabeth Fire Departments also helped to secure the scene as the building sustained structural damage.

The driver, identified as Adrian L. Elias, 24, of Morristown, was arrested for driving under the influence and assault by auto, said Briel.

Elias was taken to Overlook Hospital for treatment of neck pain. There were three other passengers in the SUV. Two passengers were uninjured and one who had a cut to the forehead, who refused medical attention, said Briel.

The utilities to the building were disconnected and four apartments in the building were evacuated.

"Thank you to Scotch Plains fire and police department’s for all of their hard work. And to the other departments from the surrounding areas that came to assist," said Steven and Lena Olsen.

As for when the comic shop will reopen, Olsen said it is "really up in the air right now. We are waiting on a structural engineer to evaluate the damage."

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