Albany Man Arrested On Suspicion of Crashing Into San Pablo Ave. Liquor Store

-By Bay City News

An Albany man was arrested after crashing a car into a Berkeley liquor store on Tuesday night, a Berkeley police spokeswoman said.

Police and firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle into a store at 3045 San Pablo Ave. around 9:30 p.m., Berkeley police Officer Jennifer Coats said.

A four-door Chevrolet Cavalier had driven into the store, damaging the front-door area and striking a female patron, Coats said.

The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital, Coats said.

Meanwhile, police arrested the car's driver, 36-year-old Keith Kelly, on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, Coats said.

Store employees had to detain Kelly, who allegedly tried to run away after the crash, Coats said.

Once police arrived, he was arrested and booked into jail, where he remained in custody this morning, Coats said.

A front-seat passenger in the Chevy fled the scene after the crash and has not been found, Coats said.

It does not appear drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident, according to Coats.

The store, Easy Liquor, was partially open this morning, according to a man answering the phone there.

He said employees were escorting customers through the damaged entryway.He said the store has been operating for 52 years.