LYNN, Mass. — A driver was arrested Monday morning after police say a stolen SUV crashed into a coffee shop.
The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. at the Walnut Street Coffee Cafe on the corner of Walnut Street and Cliff Street. Around 3 a.m., a tow truck removed the SUV from the restaurant.
“Police had activated his blue lights and siren on Boston Street after learning that the vehicle was stolen. When the car went up the one-way street the officer broke off the pursuit and shortly after officers were reporting there was a vehicle into the building,” Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly said.
A building inspector was called to the scene to look at the structural integrity of the cafe.
“Just extremely grateful that it happened late at night cause we were open late last night we had a band playing,” Alicia Churchill, the owner’s wife, said.
Lynn police told FOX25 that the driver of the white Jeep that crashed into the building took off running from the scene.
Tom Laramie of Tom's Taxi said he got a phone call shortly after crash and notified police.
“He was out of breath and was having a hard time, complaining of being cold like he had been outside for a while, and in a panic mode, like he had to get out of there fast,” Laramie said.
Igor Souza Cruz, 18, was arrested later Monday morning. Police say the car he was driving was stolen out of Beverly.
Police are still writing up charges, but say Cruz will be likely charged with failure to stop for a police officer, unlicensed operation, reckless operation, and is charged with receiving stolen property.
A judge allowed him to hide his face in court because his defense attorney raised questions about the way police identified him.