An elderly man accidentally accelerated while parking his Audi Q4 SUV and crashed into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
An elderly driver was injured after he accidentally accelerated while parking and crashed into the Cold Stone ice cream shop in Vernon Hills Monday evening, leaving it temporarily closed.
The Vernon Hills Police Department, Countryside Fire Protection District and Mundelein Fire Department responded around 5:05 p.m. Monday to Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe shopping center, 281 West Townline Road in Vernon Hills, for a report of a vehicle crash.
An elderly man accidentally accelerated while parking his Audi Q4 SUV and crashed into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
A preliminary investigation shows a 75-year-old man was attempting to park his Audi Q4 when he accidentally confused the accelerator and brake pedal, Vernon Hills Deputy Police Chief Shannon Holubetz said.
The Audi then crashed into the front of the ice cream shop and caused significant damage.
Firefighters set up a rope after an elderly man accidentally crashed his Audi Q4 SUV into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
The driver suffered minor and non-life-threatening injuries.
He was not trapped and firefighters did not need to extricate him.
Paramedics transported him to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for treatment.
An elderly man accidentally accelerated while parking his Audi Q4 SUV and crashed into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
The shift commander for the Countryside Fire Protection District said that around four people, including employees, were inside the store at the time.
No customers or employees were injured.
Broken glass, tables and chairs are left scattered after an elderly man accidentally crashed his Audi Q4 SUV into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
The crash left debris and broken glass scattered on the sidewalk and in the store.
Multiple chairs and tables were also knocked down.
Firefighters assist with damage removal after an elderly man accidentally crashed his Audi Q4 SUV into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
A structural collapse technician with the Countryside Fire Protection District responded to evaluate the building’s structural integrity.
The technician did not find any immediate concerns with the structure, the shift commander said.
A flatbed tow truck with Ernie’s Wrecker Service removes an Audi Q4 SUV after its driver accidentally crashed into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
Firefighters remained on scene to assist with damage removal.
A flatbed tow truck with Ernie’s Wrecker Service responded and removed the Audi, which sustained heavy front-end damage.
An Audi Q4 SUV sustained heavy front-end damage after its driver accidentally crashed into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
Holubetz said the Vernon Hills Building Department also responded and deemed the building structurally sound.
Officers later cordoned off the sidewalk and front of the store with caution tape while damage restoration crews worked.
An elderly man accidentally accelerated while parking his Audi Q4 SUV and crashed into Cold Stone Creamery at The Shops at Aspen Pointe, 281 West Townline Road, in Vernon Hills Monday evening. | Photo: Woo-Sung Shim / Lake and McHenry County Scanner
The ice cream shop remains closed as of Tuesday afternoon for cleaning and repairs.
“No citations have been issued at this time,” Holubetz added.
