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Car Barrels through Presnell's in PG

In general, it's just a mess

photo by Mike Conley

Ken Presnell, owner of the business, said his store will be closed indefinitely because of the Tuesday morning crash. Yellow caution tape was wrapped around the building. Since this photo was taken, the opening has been sealed up with plywood.

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: October 20, 2009

Presnell's General Merchandise in Pleasant Gardens will remain closed for business after a car crashed through one wall of the store Tuesday morning. The crash injured the driver and his passenger and left behind major damage to the business, located near Pleasant Gardens Elementary School.

"We had someone who wanted to make it a drive through," said Ken Presnell, owner of Presnell's General Merchandise. "(They) did a pretty good job of it."

The wreck occurred at 9 a.m. Ismael Swepson, 20, of Park Avenue in Marion was driving a car east on U.S. 70. His passenger was Daniel Simolke, 19, of Montevista Avenue in Marion. Swepson and Simolke were in a 2003 Honda owned by Simolke's mother, Chris, according to the report by Trooper J.E. Reid of the N.C. Highway Patrol.

The Honda traveled across the centerline, went through a parking area and hit a Dumpster. The car and the Dumpster crashed through a wall at Presnell's, causing extensive damage to one section of the building and the merchandise inside.

"It hit the Dumpster and kept coming," said employee Jackie Guffey.
Presnell said two employees were working in the store at the time but they were in another part of the building. No one inside the store was injured.

"It could have been a lot worse," he said. "We could have had people here shopping."

Swepson was transported to The McDowell Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released. Simolke was transported to Memorial Mission Hospital, where he was also treated and released.

According to Reid's report, Swepson stated he fell asleep while driving. Reid said Swepson did have some alcohol in his body and there was some alcohol in the car.

Swepson has been charged with provisional driving while impaired, reckless driving, having an open container of alcohol and no driver's license.

The 2003 Honda was totaled in the crash.

Presnell said his business would remain closed until the damage can be repaired.

"It's going to be hefty, probably $40,000 to $50,000 or more," said Reid.

The crash left a gaping hole in a cinder block wall. By late Tuesday afternoon, the opening had been covered with plywood. Presnell said a 20-foot section of the wall would have to be replaced. In addition, the car hit the store's cooler and damaged a lot of merchandise. The collision left the Dumpster partially flattened inside the store.

"I'll have to say one thing: Hondas are made well," said Presnell.