Customers Injured After Driver Crashes Into Novato 7-Eleven: Police

NOVATO, CA — Multiple people were hospitalized Monday night after a vehicle careened into the front of a Novato 7-Eleven, according to police. Officers and medics rushed to the scene on Diablo Avenue around 6 p.m. on reports of a vehicle into a store with several customers injured.

Investigators ruled out impairment contributing to the crash, finding instead that the driver was attempting to park in a handicap stall when they mistakenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. Police said the accident injured the driver, who was rushed to the hospital with several people who were inside the store and suffered moderate injuries.

"We greatly appreciate the assistance provided by the Novato Fire Protection District, and we are hoping for a quick recovery of everyone involved," police said Tuesday. "Although not a factor in this case, we want to remind our community to stay aware of their surroundings when driving, especially during the holiday season as distractions tend to increase."

The store will remain closed while the extent of structural damage is assessed and repaired.