Vehicle smashes into grocery store, killing shopper

(1117/06 - KTRK/MISSOURI CITY, TX) (KTRK) -- A trip to a grocery store turned deadly Friday afternoon when a vehicle crashed into the front of the store, killing a shopper.

The Kroger on Highway 6 in Missouri City was packed with shoppers when the out of control driver plowed right through the front doors.

Part of the inside structure collapsed on top of the car as it was pulled out of the store, an indication of how fast and hard the impact was.

"There's a 16-ton air-conditioning unit on top of this beam that's leaning," said Captain John Bailey with the Missouri City Police Department. "We want to make sure everybody's safe. That's why we're calling for the evacuation of the store."

Tracie Gregory took photographs of the accident, which show how far the Lincoln went into the store, nearly hitting the second set of entry doors.

"I was cashing a check and it was shocking. People were standing around crying and holding onto each other," she said. "It was very sad."

Shopper Olen Bench's wife saw the horrific accident.

"She heard this big crash and turned around," he said. "She thought the ceiling and stuff was coming down on top of her. She didn't know a car had come through. She looked down and saw a lady's legs and tennis shoes."

Authorities say the victim, identified as Sue Ann Marasckin, 59, was struck by the car and then catapulted into the air before landing on the car. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she died within the hour. As for the driver, she remains in custody.

"There appear to be no medical event involved. She was coherent. She knew what was going on," said Captain Bailey. "She was pretty shook up about the accident, no smell of alcohol, or anything along those lines, so we just don't know what happened yet."

Captain Bailey said the driver initially told him the brakes just didn't work. Authorities say they've checked the brakes, which they say are in working order.

The Kroger is closed as the stability of the building is examined. The name of the driver of the car has not been released. Police say this appears to be a tragic accident and the driver will not be charged.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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