Crash closes Sandpoint post office

SANDPOINT — A local driver was taken to the hospital after crashing into the Sandpoint post office early Saturday afternoon.

Sandpoint Police said the driver, whose name is not being released, mistook their gas pedal for their brakes as they were pulling into the post office parking lot.

"Essentially, a patron came in and mistook the gas for their brakes as they were going into a parking spot and just accelerated into the building," Officer Marcus Bentley said.

While the driver was taken to the hospital as a precaution, the officer said indications are that the individual suffered no life-threatening injuries in the crash.

Bentley said a support beam for the post office building was knocked down in the crash, forcing the closure of the building. While the lobby was closed, there were some post office employees in the building at the time of the crash, which happened about 2:30 p.m.

Post office crews were en route by 3:30 p.m. to assess the structure and to board up the building, which suffered significant damage in the crash. In addition to the support beam for the overhang being pushed down, the car ended up partway into the building, shattering several glass panels and stopping near where customers pick up mail or drop off packages at the front counter.

The building was cordoned off with police caution tape, and several customers pulling into the parking lot to pick up mail were advised the building was closed.

"One of the pillars was taken out, so obviously it needs to get evaluated just to make sure it won't come down on anyone," Bentley said. "They're going to have to board it up in the meantime, and it will likely be closed for a decent amount of time."

    The inside of the Sandpoint post office can be scene after a Saturday afternoon crash caused significant damage to the building. Sandpoint Police said the driver mistook their gas pedal for their brakes and accelerated into the building. The individual was taken to the hospital as a precaution.