Car hits pharmacy; driver says wet shoes to blame

PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Townsend man blamed wet shoes for a crash landing into Don’s Pharmacy in his car Thursday morning.

The Port Townsend Police Department reported that Harvey G. Putterman, 74, crashed his 1996 Mazda Sedan into the wall outside Don’s Pharmacy at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, breaking a large plate glass window and damaging the side of the building.

“The man said his shoes were wet and he slipped off the brake while he was trying to park,” said Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green.

“He slipped onto the gas, hopped the curb and went right into the wall.”

Green said no charges had been filed against Putterman.

No customers or pedestrians were in the path of the car. Putterman was not hurt.

No damage estimate was available Thursday, but Green said that the car sustained minor damage. The bulk of the crash was absorbed by the building’s wall and window, he added.

Don Hoglund, owner of Don’s Pharmacy, said he was just happy there were no injuries.

“No one was near the window when it broke,” he said.

“We all just hear a loud thud, followed by broken glass.

“It really isn’t that big of deal.”

________

Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.

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