In less than two years, a third driver crashed his car into the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce during late night hours. Well, this time a bollard did its job and protected the building from severe damage.
Chamber Executive Director Rebecca Grizzle was informed about the most recent incident that took place on Dec. 13, 2024, at about 3:05 a.m. She learned the driver crashed into one of the bollards in front of the building and then left on foot. Grizzle told Lebanon Local police were able to recognize the driver from video footage, but no further information has been provided. The Lebanon Police Department informed Lebanon Local that the case is under review with the district attorney for charges.
The first incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on March 1, 2023, when Johnathan M. Davis, of Salem, crashed into the chamber, ultimately moving two walls within the building and displacing staff for a year. It was believed he was racing another driver at the time. Davis was sentenced in January 2024 for second degree criminal mischief and failure to perform the duties of a driver for property damage; a charge of reckless driving was dismissed.
The second incident occurred on March 22, 2024. Police reported that Jesus Hilario Cabuto, 18, was under the influence of alcohol when he was traveling north on Park Avenue and lost control when he negotiated the corner near Elmore Street too fast. He crashed into the building at 8:03 p.m., damaging the newly-installed wood wall that sealed up the first crash damage.
The chamber obtained funding through the county and city, as well as insurance, to fix the building and update the space for a more modern and practical use. Glass windows and wood siding reflect the natural beauty of the area, and bollards were situated in front of the building to protect it from any other potential damage. An open house for the newly renovated building occurred in September 2024.