SUV crashes into Middletown auto parts store and hits vehicle inside, driver flees

A car traveling west on Oxford State Road sideswiped another vehicle Tuesday night, then crashed into Art’s Parts, 2080 Oxford State Road. Police are looking for the driver of the at-fault vehicle. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A car traveling west on Oxford State Road sideswiped another vehicle Tuesday night, then crashed into Art’s Parts, 2080 Oxford State Road. Police are looking for the driver of the at-fault vehicle. SUBMITTED PHOTO

A Middletown used auto parts store is open today and employees are thankful no one was injured Tuesday night when a vehicle crashed into the building, drove through the office and hit another car parked inside the bay.

Middletown police are looking for the driver of the 2018 Chevrolet SUV that apparently sideswiped a car traveling east on Oxford State Road around 6 p.m. Tuesday, drove through the parking lot of Art’s Parts, 2080 Oxford State Road, and into the building, according to the police report.

The driver then got out of the vehicle and fled from the crash scene, police said.

Middletown paramedics were called and at least one person was treated at the scene. City employees were called to stabilize the building.

Austin Frasik, whose father owns Art’s Parts, said the business closes at 5:30 p.m., but typically there are employees inside much later. But on Tuesday night, he said, everyone left work on time.

“It could have been much worse,” he said.

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