Employees and customers inside a Smithfield fast food restaurant escaped injury after a driving while impaired suspect struck the building. The accident was reported at 3:16pm Tuesday at Taco Bell at 1217 N. Brightleaf Boulevard.
Smithfield Police said Ray Edward Vanpelt, 61, of Pine Level-Micro Road, Selma drove his 2008 Ford Escape in reverse into the side of the building causing an estimated $30,000 in damages.
Vanpelt allegedly admitted to drinking before driving. He was charged with driving while impaired and injury to property. A blood sample was taken for the DWI charge. He was released on a $2,500 bond.
His vehicle was impounded by police.
