Man arrested after slamming car into business

A Saturday afternoon shopping trip turned frightening for some customers at the Dollar General Store in Whitley City.

Brian A. Ball, of Stearns, reportedly smashed his vehicle into the store, not once, but twice, causing significant damage to the store.

Witnesses reported Ball, 36, jumped the curb in a Town and Country mini-van and crashed into the building around 3:30 p.m. Ball reportedly backed up and hit the building again, before pulling out and leaving the scene.

Officers found the vehicle a short time later parked on Strunk Ridge Road, less than a mile form the scene of the incident.

According to the arrest citation Ball stated his brakes were not working, and he had intended to hit the curb in an attempt to stop.

Officers noted Ball had red eyes, slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet. He admitted to taking Suboxone the previous night.

He was arrested and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and various other traffic- related charges, including driving on a suspended license, improper registration and no insurance.

Ball was taken to the Wayne County Detention Center. A blood test is pending.

Members of the Whitley City Fire Department assisted at the scene.

No injuries were reported.