Elderly man drives car through Valley licensing office

An elderly man accidentally drove his car through the Department of Licensing’s Spokane Valley driver licensing office today, injuring at least one customer inside. Police were called to the office at 12801 E. Sprague Ave., about 12:40 p.m., for reports that a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus drove through the front door of the building. A customer inside was hit by a flying door, and was treated for minor injuries, said Detective Dave Thornburg with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. The elderly man, who was cited for not having car insurance, was pulling into an insurance office located next door to the licensing office when he confused the gas pedal with the break pedal, Thornburg said. Officials with the Department of Licensing said the Spokane Valley office will be closed today and Friday, due to structural damage caused by the crash. Customers should go to the other Spokane-area licensing office at 6519 N. Lidgerwood St. That office is open Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and reopens Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Staff from the Spokane Valley office will be sent to the Lidgerwood Street office until the damaged is repaired, officials said.