Car hits pharmacy; driver says wet shoes to blame

PORT TOWNSEND — A Port Townsend man blamed wet shoes for a crash landing into Don’s Pharmacy in his car Thursday morning.

The Port Townsend Police Department reported that Harvey G. Putterman, 74, crashed his 1996 Mazda Sedan into the wall outside Don’s Pharmacy at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, breaking a large plate glass window and damaging the side of the building.

“The man said his shoes were wet and he slipped off the brake while he was trying to park,” said Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green.

“He slipped onto the gas, hopped the curb and went right into the wall.”

Green said no charges had been filed against Putterman.

No customers or pedestrians were in the path of the car. Putterman was not hurt.

No damage estimate was available Thursday, but Green said that the car sustained minor damage. The bulk of the crash was absorbed by the building’s wall and window, he added.

Don Hoglund, owner of Don’s Pharmacy, said he was just happy there were no injuries.

“No one was near the window when it broke,” he said.

“We all just hear a loud thud, followed by broken glass.

“It really isn’t that big of deal.”

________

Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
June Ward, 10, examines a wooden paddle she is decorating as her father, Jack Ward of Port Angeles, works on his own paddle during a craft-making session on Friday at the Elwha Klallam Heritage Center in Port Angeles. The paddles are among the thousands of gifts being created for participants in the 2025 Tribal Canoe Journey, hosted this year by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. The event begins with the landing of dozens of native canoes at the mouth of the Elwha River on July 31 and continues with five days of celebration on the Lower Elwha reservation west of Port Angeles. As many as 10,000 indigenous peoples are expected to take part. The public is invited to help with giftmaking sessions, scheduled daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Heritage Center.
Canoe paddle crafts

June Ward, 10, examines a wooden paddle she is decorating as her… Continue reading

Ralph Henry Keil and Ginny Grimm.
Long lost sailor to be honored at graduation

An honorary diploma will be presented to the family of… Continue reading

Singers to workshop vocal instruments at Fort Worden

One hundred and fifty singers to join together in song

Jefferson County fire danger risk level to move to high

Designation will prohibit fireworks over Fourth of July weekend

Candidate forums to be presented next week

The League of Women Voters of Clallam County and… Continue reading

Port Townsend City Council candidate forum set for next month

The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County will… Continue reading

Jefferson County to host series of community conversations

Jefferson County will conduct a series of Community Conversations… Continue reading

Denise Thornton of Sequim deadheads roses on a flower display at the Sequim Botanical Garden at the Water Reuse Demonstration Park at Carrie Blake Park on Wednesday in Sequim. Thornton, a volunteer gardener, was taking part in a work party to maintain the beauty of the garden. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Rose display

Denise Thornton of Sequim deadheads roses on a flower display at the… Continue reading

Electric rates see big increase

Jefferson proposal approved for 4-year hike

Clallam Transit to receive $4M in grants

Agency to use funds on Strait Shot and other routes

Port Angeles council OKs sidewalk near park

Applicants to receive grant funding for one-third of total cost