Two injured in Publix liquor store after driver crashes through window and wall

A driver crashed through the front of a Publix liquor store, injuring an employee and a customer inside, according to the Dade City Police Department.

Shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, police arrived at the Publix Shopping Center at 11798 U.S. Highway 301 in Dade City and found a 2003 Dodge minivan had crashed through the liquor store’s window and wall.

Police said a preliminary investigation determined the driver of a minivan, a 79-year-old Dade City woman who was not identified, left the parking area and traveled about 37 feet from a stop sign, then jumped a curb and continued another 24 feet before striking the building. The Dodge came to rest 28 feet inside the liquor store.

A man working in the main aisle of the liquor store was struck by the minivan, police said. He suffered a cut to his arm and upper body injuries and was transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital. Police said a female customer was also injured, possibly by broken glass and debris, and taken to the hospital.

The driver was also taken to Lakeland Regional Hospital with undisclosed injuries.

Police said none of the injuries appear to be life threatening, and the investigation of the crash is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay with tampabay.com for updates.