Auto shop owner was crushed when 77-year-old driver hit the gas

A 77-year-old man crushed a Richland auto shop owner after accidentally hitting the gas, according to police.

The dramatic crash at Tommy’s Garage LLC, left owner Tom Lackey with serious injuries about 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to witnesses and Richland police.

Investigators reported the owner was directing the driver of a Chevrolet Avalanche to back up into the garage at 294 Williams Blvd near the Uptown Shopping Center, said Claire Venema, the department’s community relations specialist.

The driver hit the gas rather than the brake, and pinned the owner against the back wall.

The man had serious injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. His condition was not immediately available on Thursday.

The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. He was not intoxicated, Venema said.

The locally owned shop performs a variety of routine and complex services, with customers often bringing in classic cars, according to its Facebook page.