Car crashes through Warren post office

WARREN -- Many people make mad dashes to local post offices during the Christmas season, but John E. Wright didn't even wait until the Niles Road Annex opened.
Thomas Kerns, officer in charge of the annex, said he was at his desk at about 8:20 a.m. Tuesday when the 66-year-old's Cadillac Fleetwood crashed through the front lobby about 20 feet away. The Washington Street Northwest man told police that his brakes failed as he tried to park the car.
Wright wasn't cited.
Fearing the driver suffered a health problem or may be injured, Kerns called 911.
Kerns estimated the accident caused at least $25,000 in damage. The lobby opens at 8:30 a.m.
"There were 23 or 24 people in the building, mostly carriers getting their rounds," Kern said.
The building was evacuated for a short time until safety forces determined that no imminent danger existed, he said.
"All mail was delivered yesterday," Kerns said.
The office primarily serves the Howland area.
The lobby had to close Tuesday while a contractor made temporary repairs, but post office workers allowed customers to retrieve mail from post office boxes and pick up packages.
The lobby reopened today, but because the 1959 building included stone and marble, it may take a month to six weeks before full repairs are made.