SEFFNER, Fla. — A 37-year-old man is facing charges for driving through a Seffner gas station and pinning a victim walking into the store, according to officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Both the driver and the victim have non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Deputies said that on June 20 at 12:24 a.m., Anthony Katosh was driving a Kia Forte which slammed into the front doors of the Travel Centers of America at 11706 Tampa Gateway Boulevard.
A man was entering the gas station when he was hit by the car that was driving at a high rate of speed, pinning him between the driver’s side door of the vehicle and a metal structure, according to officials. Deputies responded and began to provide aid along with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.
“The footage of the car smashing through this business and straight into a victim is jarring, to say the least,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “It is an absolute miracle that the person pinned by the car did not sustain more serious injuries, and we’re glad to hear he will be ok.”
Customers were shocked to see the video and damage caused by the crash.
“We’re trying to figure out what happened, and yeah, that’s crazy that they ran right into the store with a vehicle full speed. Unreal, unbelievable,” said Conroy Cadorae.
Authorities said detectives determined the crash was not accidental and charged Katosh with criminal mischief $1,000 or more.
The investigation is ongoing.