A Kansas driver was taken into custody on Sunday evening after the cops say that a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed smashed into a barber shop in Rice County. The white truck quite literally drove through the front door, as though waiting for its own appointment.
According to the Rice County Sheriff’s Office, officers were dispatched to Hairtenders at 5:10 pm on June 7. A call came in that explained that a truck had sped through a parking lot and straight into a building connected to several other businesses.
When deputies arrived, the vehicle was still partially lodged inside the structure with visible destruction that left concerns about the safety of the structure itself. It has yet to be revealed if anyone was inside the building at the time or if any injuries were reported.
All we know is that the vehicle was traveling faster than you normally would if you were trying to stop at your local business. Fortunately, the suspect was detained and taken into custody on multiple traffic and criminal charges.
What Was the Driver Doing?
Just as the driver’s information has not been released, it also has not been disclosed what may have caused the driver to lose control or exactly what might have led up to the circumstances. Photos at the scene also show that the truck itself was also damaged, with its hood having been slightly bent from impact.
In comparison, the building took way more damage. Officials have not publicly identified the suspect or released a complete list of charges at this time. Authorities confirmed the man is currently being held at the Rice County Detention Center in lieu of bond as investigators continue looking into the incident.
According to a post from the Hairtenders Facebook page, they remain open, though customers will need to enter through the barbershop entrance.
What Did Police Have To Say?
About the crash, Sheriff Nick Sowers stated, “Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance is extremely dangerous. Impaired driving puts innocent people at risk and can quickly turn a poor decision into a tragedy. Our office will continue working to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roadways before someone is seriously injured or killed.”
Again, it appears no one was injured or killed as a result of this incident, though the information has not been publicly released. It has also not been made clear if the driver was under the influence of any of the mentioned alcohol, drugs, or impairing substances mentioned.
Incidents involving vehicles crashing into storefronts or businesses can create dangerous situations not only for employees and customers but also for first responders working to stabilize damaged structures. In some cases, structural engineers are called in to determine whether a business can safely reopen after sustaining impact damage from a vehicle collision.
Reactions to Truck Crashing Into Barber Shop
Comments under the original post by the Rice County Sheriff’s Office were mixed. Some commenters found the situation funny, with replies such as, “Must’ve really needed a haircut. 
Jkjk. Glad nobody was injured from this,” and “When you really want that parking spot and you have to get there first. 😂.”
Other commenters were in the middle and grateful that it was likely that no one was “seriously injured,” saying, “Drive-thru barbershop does have a ring to it 🤔 “Your shortcut to a fresh cut” All jokes aside, grateful nobody was seriously injured and hopefully he can get the help he needs.”
Authorities have not said when the suspect is expected to appear in court. The individual remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.