2009.11.03
Car crashes into Cloverdale Road polling place; Moderate damage and no injuries reported
Voting went uninterrupted this morning when a car crashed into a polling place in Botetourt County.
A voter arriving at Orchard Hills Church of the Holy Spirit on Cloverdale Road hit the building just before noon, according to Virginia State Police Sgt. Rob Carpentieri. The driver, 55-year-old Virginia Berry of Botetourt County, apparently pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake.
The vehicle struck the front left portion of the church and hit a classroom area, according to church associate pastor Scott Obenchain.
Berry was not injured, nor were any bystanders or poll officials. The car struck an area that was not being used for voting, according to Botetourt County General Registrar Phyllis Booze.
"Of course it caused excitement for everyone that was voting," Obenchain said. "I don't know if they thought she didn't like a candidate's sign or something."
Berry ended up casting her vote, according to church administrative assistant Linda Loope.
"At least she wasn't hurt," Obenchain said. "You can always fix the building and the car."
The church sustained about $2,500 in damage, Carpentieri said, while the car took on about $1,000. Berry was not charged in the incident.
-- Jordan Fifer
