GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – An out of control vehicle nearly missed Customers at Gridley’s historic Ice Burgie last Friday afternoon, December 6th.

At just after 2:00 pm, Driver Andrew Sisk, was headed south-bound on Hwy 99 when a driver in a gold Ford Thunderbird attempted to make a left hand turn in front of Sisk’s vehicle. Sisk, who was traveling at highways speeds, slammed on his brakes and swerved to avoid colliding with the Thunderbird.  Long black skid marks were left behind as his vehicle was forced off the road -coming to a stop when it slammed into the barrier poles outside the Burgie, just feet away from innocent bystanders.

Owner of the business, Jayne Barrow said, “I heard a loud boom and I looked out and saw this car. I thought what is he doing, he can’t park there!” but she quickly realized that the vehicle had been involved in an accident.

Barrow says she ran out and saw Sisk sitting behind the wheel, his face “white as a ghost” noticing immediately that he seemed to be in shock. “He could hardly talk,” she said. Barrow instructed him to put the vehicle in park and stay where he was until help arrived. Luckily, Connie Fischer, LVN, was in the nearby parking lot and came running to provide medical aid if necessary.

GBPD officer Roberts responded quickly to the scene, assessing that there was no need for emergency responders as all parties involved in the accident were seemingly unharmed. Sisk’s mother, Lynaya Stoker, who arrived shortly after the accident, was visible shaken and incredibly concerned about her son’s welfare. “This is his first accident,” she said, clutching her hands and watching as Sisk tried to start his car and move it to a safer location. “This road is so dangerous!” Stoker continued. Sisk was obviously distressed but declined to make a statement, disillusioned by the taking place of the event.

The driver of the vehicle responsible for the accident, known only as Matthew, and his passenger waited patiently as Officer Roberts and back-up Officers Cooley and Olsgard documented the incident, collected driver information and took witness accounts. Ultimately, the driver of the Thunderbird was cited for cause and both parties began the process of removing their damaged vehicles.

Luckily, all three walked away without a scratch -  the drivers, passenger and patrons of the Ice Burgie avoiding what could have been a fatal disaster.