Car plows through Bob Evans in North Naples

NAPLES, Fla.- A car crashed through a busy Bob Evans in North Naples.

The Florida Highway Patrol says one person went to the hospital. All of the injuries were minor including those of the driver.

In seconds, 87-year-old Peggy Melanson says her car just plowed through Bob Evans. “It just leaped and the next thing you know, that is where I was.”

The impact had managers scrambling to get people out. “It was like a bomb went off, like boom,” said Bob Evans Assistant Manager Tamar Davis. “I am worried about my guests, I had guests sitting at the front table. I am more worried about them than myself.”

Melanson tells WINK News it was her brakes; they didn’t work. “The car had a mind of its own. I put the brakes on and it just went zoom, like it was going to take off.”

Tom Nale and his wife Eliane were about to walk through the doors when the woman’s car reversed, plowed forward and went through a brick column then the window.

“This car is racing, she puts it in gear, the tires are burning blue smoke and drives right into the restaurant,” said Nale. “She still had her foot flat on the gas, it was revving up and smoke was churning. They thought it was on fire.” He says glass flew inside the restaurant. “One lady was shaken up. I think she got knocked off her chair.”

Nale says before the woman’s car went through the glass, she tried to back up but almost hit the car behind her. She pulled forward but he says she never stopped.

[Is this scary?] “Sure is, I’ve never had an accident before,” said Melanson.

FHP cited Melanson for careless driving and she will undergo re-evaluation for her drivers license.