A Kirkland restaurant is temporarily closed after an elderly woman drove her car through the restaurant and plowed into an employee on Monday.
The 89-year-old Kirkland woman was attempting to pull into a disabled parking stall in front of the Mediterranean Kitchen when she inadvertently stepped on the car’s accelerator instead of the brake, according to the Kirkland police report. The business is located in the Totem Lake West Shopping Center at 11412 NE 124th St.
The car lurched forward, drove over the curb and plowed through the south wall into the restaurant. The car struck a 29-year-old employee who was seated at a nearby table eating her lunch, the report continues.
An aid unit transported the employee to EvergreenHealth Medical Center, where she was treated for her injuries that included cuts to her hand, elbow, shin and head. The employee advised police that she was experiencing some pain behind her knee right after the accident.
“She was bruised from tables and chairs and had a few minor cuts from broken glass, no major injuries thankfully,” said Bassam Aboul-Hosn, restaurant owner. “She was sent home that same night and she is recovering well.”
Six patrons and four other employees were also in the restaurant during the collision but were unharmed.
Police helped the woman exit her car through the passenger door, as the driver’s door was pinned shut by the smashed window and fallen door frames.
The woman told police she thought she was stepping on her vehicle’s brake pedal, the report states.
The responding officer said the woman appeared confused and shaken, however she didn’t exhibit signs of impairment. She stated she had taken her thyroid medication and another prescribed medication for her damaged nerves as a result of a recent hip surgery.
Kirkland police submitted a recommendation for driver re-examination to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
A sign posted on some boards covering the storefront at the Mediterranean Kitchen states “Will be open again soon, sorry for the inconvenience.”
Aboul-Hosn thanked the community for “all the love and concern” he has received so far from residents.
“All of our equipment and refrigeration is functioning perfectly, the delay from us opening is the storefront of the restaurant, it has to be specifically made,” he said, noting he ordered the materials and hopes to have it installed by the end of next week at the latest. Meanwhile, workers are repairing interior damages.
“We can’t wait to open up soon and resume serving Kirkland some of the best and most authentic Middle Eastern food around,” Aboul-Hosn said, encouraging patrons to visit his Bellevue location at 103 Bellevue Way NE, No. 103. To contact the Bellevue location, call (425) 462-9422.
