By Rita Farlow, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 8, 2010
TARPON SPRINGS — A woman sustained minor injuries Saturday afternoon when a man drove his car into a store at the Sponge Docks, authorities said.
According to Tarpon Springs police, 81-year-old Theodore M. Billiris was backing his 1994 Cadillac out of a parking spot on the north side of Dodecanese Boulevard when he accelerated and crashed into the side doors of Catherine's Linen Shop at 628 Athens St. about 3:30 p.m.
The car continued into the store and hit racks of merchandise before it stopped at the counter.
Sevasti Karavas, 72, was working behind the counter at the time and was pinned behind debris, police said.
She was taken to Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
Karavas' condition was not immediately known Monday afternoon.
After the accident, Billiris put the vehicle back in drive and drove out of the building, police said. Billiris said the accelerator was stuck, but police didn't find any evidence of a mechanical failure, according to a department spokesman.
Billiris, who is one of the longtime owners of St. Nicholas Boat Lines at the Sponge Docks, was not injured and refused medical attention.
He was cited for careless driving, police said.
Damage to the building was estimated at $15,000.
