Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Man Crashes Forklift into Glass Doors at Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in Spokane Valley
On Tuesday night, a 54-year-old man caused chaos at the Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Spokane Valley. The man, later identified as Matthew Fischer, appeared to be intoxicated when he crashed a forklift into a set of glass doors, creating a scene of destruction.
Intoxicated Man Causes Havoc
According to the Spokane Valley Police Department, store employees witnessed Fischer getting on a store forklift parked in the garden center area. He then proceeded to elevate the forks to chest height and drove the forklift into the sliding glass doors, shattering and disabling them.
Fischer, still sitting in the driver’s seat, then backed up and came to a stop. It was evident to the employees that he was passed out behind the wheel. They had to shake Fischer to wake him and remove him from the forklift.
Confusion and Damage
Deputies who arrived at the scene noted that Fischer was slurring his words and emanated a strong smell of alcohol. When questioned, Fischer claimed he had been at his apartment or hotel room before heading out to get food. However, he had no recollection of how he ended up at the Lowe’s store on 16205 E. Broadway Ave.
Video footage captured the moment Fischer crashed the forklift into the sliding doors, providing concrete evidence of the incident. The damage caused was estimated to be between $5,000 to $7,000, a significant cost to the store.
Legal Consequences
Fischer was charged with felony first-degree malicious mischief and was promptly booked into the Spokane County Jail. Following his first appearance in Spokane County Superior Court, Fischer was released from custody on his own recognizance. His arraignment is scheduled for March 6.
This bizarre and destructive incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of irresponsible actions while under the influence. The Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Spokane Valley will need to repair the damage caused by Fischer’s reckless behaviour.
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