In the early morning hours of Friday, July 26, a truck crashed into the Talking Talons Thrift Store in Cedar Crest. According to footage from the store’s security camera, the truck was driving at a fast speed through the parking lot and crashed into the front of the store, shattering windows and part of the wall.
A man can be seen fleeing the scene after getting out of the vehicle.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash, but the driver has not yet been located. BCSO says a gray Toyota Tacoma was located inside the southeast area of the store. Nobody was inside the store at the time of the crash.
“I have to admit I was shocked by the amount of damage,” said store manager Paula Martin. “When the sheriff said the building had been hit I never pictured that the damage would be so extensive.”
The Independent has learned that BCSO has identified a suspect based on a traffic ticket found inside the vehicle and information provided by another person, but has not made an arrest. The Independent is not releasing the name of the suspect because he has not been charged with a crime.
BCSO and Talking Talons store owners are asking anyone with information about the crash or the man in the photo still taken from video to contact 505-798-7000.
Martin said store staff is working hard to clean up the mess and hopes to be open by next week sometime.
Talking Talons is a nonprofit organization that provides revenue for youth leadership programs in the field of environmental education. According to a GoFundMe account, at least $50,000 is needed to repair and reopen the store. So far, $3,800 has been raised. Store owners say they are still accepting donations 10 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.