Patrons at a Bellingham, Washington Starbucks got quite the surprise yesterday when a 2008 Chrysler 300 driven by an elderly man crashed through the floor to ceiling window and across the shop. Five people were injured in the incident, though none seriously, and the driver is facing a charge of second degree negligent driving. Fortunately for us, a table was embedded in the grille and it makes it look like the 300 is sticking it's tongue out. We're assuming the injured will be suing for millions to cover the cost of spilled coffee. (Hat tip to R_Evolution)
[Source And More Photos: Bellingham Herald]














Comments
This is why we need mandatory yearly testing for old people.
That being said, my girlfriend's 92 year old grandfather just got his license back after losing it, failing two driving tests, and passing the third.
How exactly do you NOT hit a Starbucks these days.
Actually, the headlights say this isn't the C. And thank goodness for that.
That's not a 300C. Regular 300. Headlights, single exhaust, and bumper-trim are the giveaway.
Did the emergency workers stop at the starbucks across the street for some coffee?
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NOM
No coffee beans where hurt I hope.
@boosted-lego-wagon: Well in this area you can aim at Tully's, Seattle's Best, and all of the "independents" that fill the gaps between the three biguns....
Oh, I'm sorry. You didn't order the Moparesspresso half-caff with a demi shot of Hemi?
@zohaib:

Performance art has gone too far in this country
Was there a farmer's market next door that he couldn't see clearly enough to hit?
"I didn't know you were part old. You're not pure! ...YOUTH IS TRUTH! I WISH OLD RHYMED WITH LIES!"
I thought it was the latest Chrysler promotion. If you pay more than $2.99 for a drink at Starbucks, Chrysler will pay the difference for 3 years.
I hate it when my car eats coffee shop furniture.
If I were a recovering meth addict with frequent spells of confusion, damaged vision, and impaired reflexes, I most certainly would not be allowed to get my license.
Replace "meth addict" with "old person" and they'll move you to the front of the DMV line.
@layabout: "Im in ur Starbucks eatin all ur tables"
This is all bullshit anyways. Everybody knows it's impossible to get a table in Starbucks, even if you do weigh four thousand pounds.
In order to offer the $2.99 gas promotion, Chrysler had to cut down on some other items...like brakes.
@zohaib: @boosted-lego-wagon:
NOM! NOM! NOM!
hahaha, thats awesome you guys picked up this story. I live like 5 minutes from where this happened.
The driver was obviously part of Project Mayham- he had an assignment "Operation Latte Thunder" to Hoon a Chrysler 300, and trash a franchise coffee bar.
Mission accomplished
Didn't I see this in an episode of CSI?
Additionally, those tables must be pretty damn sharp. Looks like a ninja hucked that thing into the grille.
So close, Darwin, so close...
I dunno about yearly, but after 60 years of age, folks should be tested every five years.
@Dr.Danger's got the power: COTD without a doubt! "Big, Thirsty Chrysler Drops In for Coffee and Cookie."
No Starbucks, this is NOT the Battlestar Galactica.
I live here in Bellingham and I've been to that Starbucks a few times.
The Chrysler is a rental car that a 70year old from Texas was driving. He must of gunned it while parking up front as the Starbucks is set off the road.
One guy was even pinned against the wall!
@Dr.Danger's got the power: I can has cookie!?
I live just outside Bellingham, so this is pretty cool that you found this. It said in the Article from the news paper, that the car surged when he was trying the park it, and that while it was up against the wall the tires were spinning. Sounds like a problem with the 300's.
@Starlton Heston, Gushing post-mother: Sorry, but Starbucks owns Seattle's Best.
@boosted-lego-wagon: You are on a roll today.
How many miles do you get to the frappe?
@builtfordtough13: It's highly likely that the "surge" was caused by the pressure of a foot on top of the accelerator. Like the (in)famous 1980's Audis, there is nothing wrong with the car. Tired, confused or distracted driver hits the gas instead of the brake, means to "correct" his error and jam on the brake, but instead jams the GAS down all the way causing the zooming, surging and wheel spin common to so many reports of these incidents.
It's sad that the people most likely to mow you down or smash you beyond recognition are uncontrollably attracted to the biggest, heaviest sedans. If old people liked vw golfs the only victims here would be the flowers in the flowerbed.
My kid sister and family (BiL and nieces) are all in Bellingham; BiL is a Sargeant with the Police (who loves Starbucks coffee)... Upon reading of this accident, I fired off an e-mail to family... still awaiting reply... I am in agreement: this is a pedal slip and no more. Just grateful no one was badly injured.
@MadHungarian: It's always fun when cops do it, though.
(This has happened. Go cowboy boots.)
@LotusGrrl: Golves? Just as Jetta -> Jettae, etc.
Now if he had Polyglas tires...
@FuzzyPlushroom: Golves? haha, I guess Golf isn't a word I have ever made plural. I wonder if hillbillies would say goof, like they say woof instead of wolf? Can someone confirm/deny plz
"Chrysler introduced it's new Swivel n'Go in a style usually reserved for Jeep; braking through stuff."
I wouldnt' say it's sticking its tongue out, it looks more like a dog that's just caught a frisbee and is staring at you all cockeyed and slobbering. Dumb as bricks, but still completely endearing. Much like the 300C, perhaps...?
@Adidac425: His name is Robert Paulson! His name is Robert Paulson!
@s0crates82: "I dunno about yearly, but after 60 years of age, folks should be tested every five years."
And when that's done, you can check if they're fit to drive.
Sweety, I got us a table.
I'm not much of a coffee guy myself but I know the lines at Starbucks can get kind of long but still, these caffeine addicts need to chill out because I'm sure there is enough 'bucks for everyone.
@Dr.Danger's got the power: COTD!!
"Because life happens over crashed sedans"
I can has Nilla Wafers?
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this also proves one of two things:
1) Starbucks' Tables are REALLY strong
or
2) Chrysler grills are SHYT
"Is this Country Kitchen Buffet?"
Oh barista! This scone tastes like its made from thin sheets of wood veneer glued together with Melamine-formaldehyde resin!
I call shenanigans! It's partially this Starbucks' fault.
The intense competition from McCafe 'caused this Starbucks to prematurely put up the sign *before* the Tarmachino Access (aka "Drive-Thru") was ready.
@builtfordtough13: ahhh, never mind, the Audi bit's been called... sigh...
"Help Take A Bite Out Of Crime!"
4bucks over charges for burnt coffee - I can get better tasting stuff by nuking the coffee left in the pot at home from 3 days ago.
i like how he cleanly smashed into the center of the window. very prussian.
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