VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Virginia Beach business owner is picking up the pieces after a car crashed through his storefront window on Friday night, injuring two people.
It happened at Smith Discount Books in the 5200 block of Providence Road at around 7:45 p.m.
According to a Virginia Beach police spokesperson, a teenager and an adult inside the store were hurt. Both had non-life-threatening injuries but were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The driver was arrested and after being treated for minor injuries, was charged with DUI.
The store remains temporarily closed.
On Monday, store owner Barry Smith spoke to 13News Now about how the incident is impacting his business. Smith said the bookstore is family-owned and has been selling books for 35 years.
“Everybody loves books. I mean, there’s all kinds of books. Books take you to all kinds of places," said Smith.
Photos: Vehicle crashes into Virginia Beach bookstore
Smith said he wasn't in the store at the time of the crash but there were employees and customers inside.
“Our employee was sitting behind the counter and a car came barreling through the front door and everything. The soda cooler got knocked over all the sodas went everywhere and fell on someone, and another girl got pinned up against a bookcase," said Smith.
He added, “We’re very sad people got hurt. That’s our main concern."
The second worry for Smith is if he will be able to reopen the store at all. He said the closure will affect his business.
“It’s really bad because this is when people come buy books after the holidays and they have gift cards. Our business is closed, so our revenue stream has totally stopped," said Smith.
Barry Friedman owns Birdland Music record store near the bookstore. He calls the store a staple in the Kempsville community.
“He’s a vital part of the community. I’m shocked and dismayed," said Friedman.
Friedman hopes his neighbor will be able to reopen soon.
“And I hope they can get back on their feet again, the customers and the store. We need the bookstores," said Friedman.
Smith said he’s waiting to see when he can go back inside his store.
“Just pray for us to get back in business. That’s all we really need," said Smith.
Smith plans to clean up the store Tuesday.
Virginia Beach police have not released the name of the driver nor have they said if they plan to file any other charges.