9 hurt after SUV crashes into downtown Sioux Falls Starbucks

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - Authorities say nine people were hospitalized after an SUV crashed into a Starbucks in downtown Sioux Falls.

Investigators now believe some sort of “medical issue” was to blame for the crash, according to the Sioux Falls Police Department.

The crash happened just after 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Starbucks at 13th Street and Minnesota Avenue.

Sgt. Travis Olsen said a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was driving north on Minnesota Avenue when the 65-year-old man driving the vehicle experienced a “medical event.” The Jeep crashed into the south wall of the coffee shop and completely entered the building.

The driver and his 71-year-old female passenger were both taken by ambulance to a hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Police say they were both wearing seat belts.

Seven people inside the building, including one Starbucks employee and one juvenile, were hospitalized following the crash. Police say none of their injuries are life-threatening.

Neither drugs nor alcohol were factors in the crash, according to Olsen. He said criminal charges have not been filed at this time, pending the completion of the investigation.

Several nearby streets, including a portion of Minnesota, were closed for several hours afterwards as police investigated.