200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

A family of four, including a father, a mother, and two small children (18 months and 6 months of age) were exiting the store, pushing a shopping cart through the painted crosswalk, just outside the General Merchandise (west) entrance. The six month old was riding in the shopping cart.

Meanwhile, a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 full-size pickup was being backed from a parking space by the 79 year old driver, Robert L. Waterman. Mr. Waterman stated that thinking he was pressing the brake pedal, he mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead.

The pickup accelerated backward toward the store, striking the family and pushing them through the exterior doors back inside the store. The pickup finally came to a stop completely inside the foyer area of the store. There were reinforced barricade poles in place; however, the pickup was able to slip between two of the poles.

The family of four were all transported to Holston Valley Medical Center for treatment of incapacitating injuries. At this time, none of their injuries appear to be life-threatening. Mr. Waterman was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center as well for evaluation of potential injuries he may have sustained in the crash.

As this crash occurred on private property rather than a public roadway, no charges were immediately filed.

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit