A vehicle fire ended with a crash into the Goodwill store on East Race Avenue Tuesday afternoon, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews.
According to the Searcy Police Department, officers responded to Goodwill at 2009 East Race Avenue around 3 p.m. after receiving reports of a vehicle on fire that had crashed into the front of the building.
Lt. Todd Wells said officers learned that Richard Colley, 78, of Searcy, was driving a 2005 Toyota Camry westbound on Race Avenue when he noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. Colley pulled into the Goodwill parking lot, but his brakes reportedly failed, causing the vehicle to collide with the front of the store.
Employees and the store manager safely evacuated the building and gathered in the parking lot while police officers and firefighters worked the scene.
No injuries were reported.
The Searcy Fire Department quickly extinguished the vehicle fire and secured the area. Witnesses praised firefighters for their fast response, noting the vehicle continued popping and emitting flames even after emergency crews arrived.
The Goodwill manager on duty said staff members were awaiting the arrival of a district manager from Little Rock to determine the next steps for store operations.
Officials continue to investigate the incident.
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