CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — A Cleveland man faces multiple charges after a vehicle crashed into a downtown Clarkesville building Tuesday afternoon, damaging two storefront areas and forcing the closure of West Water Street.
According to preliminary information released by Georgia State Patrol PIO Capt. Crystal Zion, a white Honda Odyssey was traveling northbound through a parking lot on Washington Street at West Water Street when the driver attempted to make a right turn onto W. Water Street.
Troopers said the vehicle failed to maintain its lane to the left, over-corrected, and then left the roadway to the right, striking a building with its front. The area of impact was determined based on roadway evidence, according to the state patrol.
The driver was identified as Stacey Lee Wade, 52, of Cleveland. Wade was charged with failure to maintain lane, driving while unlicensed, and no seatbelt.
Officers with the Clarkesville Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting that Wade had crashed into a building at 102 W. Water St., just off the Clarkesville Square.
Eyewitness Raymond Weaver said the van came around the corner at a high rate of speed before leaving the roadway near the sidewalk in front of the Century 21 office.
“I looked in my rearview mirror and saw the white van come around the corner really fast,” Weaver said. “It hit the sidewalk over there at Century 21, and then it looked like he tried to course correct.”
Weaver said the vehicle knocked over Century 21’s entire Christmas display before continuing into the adjacent storefront. Now Habersham confirmed that the destroyed display had recently won top honors in the city’s downtown door-decorating contest.
After striking the sidewalk and holiday decorations, the van continued forward and crashed through the front window of Splash Studio.
Weaver said he and others immediately walked to the vehicle and spoke with the Wade after he exited.
“He was a little uneasy and was rubbing his head like he may have hit it,” Weaver said. “I asked him if he was okay, and he said, ‘Yeah, I’m okay,’ but I told him he might want to sit down.”
According to Weaver, Wade appeared to be middle-aged and was barefoot when he got out of the van, later putting on flip-flops. Weaver said he did not believe the driver appeared impaired.
“By the way he looked, I didn’t think he was,” he said.
Weaver estimated the van was traveling at least 30 mph as it came downhill and around the corner before striking the sidewalk and building. He said the business appeared to be closed at the time of the crash.
Habersham EMS and deputies with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene. Authorities blocked off W. Water Street, which remained closed as of this report. Police are asking drivers to avoid the area near the Clarkesville Square and use alternate routes.
No serious injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.
