Alcohol Blamed in Salem Hemp Store Destruction

The driver of the white Hyundai was escorted away by police; it took some help, but he appeared to be unbloodied and unbroken.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Police arrested a man for slamming his car through a Salem, Oregon head shop today. An adjacent barber shop took damage also; the crash occurred on 12th Street at Tiff's 'Get Your Hemp On'.

Witnesses say this establishment was destroyed by a driver under the influence of alcohol, a perfectly legal substance. It is at least slightly ironic that this happened at a business that is part of an industry often under fire for providing products used by medical marijuana patients. I've never heard of a person driving into a building because they were stoned.

After all, head shops cater to legal medical marijuana users, which the police themselves often suggest are somehow still illegal, when they are not, and never should have been in the first place.

Witnesses who spoke to Salem-News.com, say the man arrested by police stumbled and slurred, and it was clear that he was under the influence of alcohol.

The car was completely swallowed by the building. Nobody appeared to be injured. There was a humorous tone to the event, even though the car seriously damaged the building, toppling the ceiling, shattering glass products and windows.

The driver of the white Hyundai was escorted away by police; it took some help, but he appeared to be unbloodied and unbroken.

The only employee available to comment, Robbie, declined the opportunity to be interviewed.

Austin King writes Salem-News.com reports that delve into music and technology. An active music follower and musician, Austin stays up to date on new developments in the various genres, as well as the latest technologies. A bonus for Salem-News.com is Austin's acquired ability to resolve and remedy computer problems ranging from virus eradication to total meltdown.

Watch for Austin's articles, they're a reflection of a writer who is steeped in technology and a natural extension to this family owned business. Visit Austin's MySpace page. You can write to Austin King at: synchroblue@gmail.com

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Kevin April 26, 2011 10:05 pm (Pacific time)

Interesting incident!! If marijuana is illegal, I guess alcohol should also be made illegal as it influences sane people to do such insane things.

-Kevin

Osotan; May 18, 2010 1:33 am (Pacific time)

Austin,remeber the scene in "up in smoke" where Cheech and Chong were parked precicesly between the no parking signs as the hiway patrolman approached their vehicle? They were intensly cooperative,assisting the officer in his quest for knowledge rathe than being led away slurring his speach after a particularly innacurate attempt to park his car. No dignity!! 4/20 now and for ever!

Tricia May 15, 2010 1:36 am (Pacific time)

How sad that there is so much damage to this little shop. I feel so bad for the owners and employees. You do, however, have to appreciate the irony. I really love how you said, "I've never heard of a person driving into a building because they were stoned." I don't drink, nor smoke, but I do feel strongly that there is something seriously wrong with alcohol being free flowing everywhere, while marijuana's legality is so a hot topic. I love your article.

Eve Lentz May 13, 2010 3:14 pm (Pacific time)

Great story, Austin! It is ironic that a "drunk" man slammed into a Hemp store. Maybe it will send the right message!?

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