SUV crashes into Mercato Fresh in Windsor

A crash seen at Mercato Fresh in Windsor, Ont. on Jan. 20, 2025. (Submitted to CTV News Windsor)

A shock for shoppers and employees at Mercato Fresh on Banwell Avenue in Windsor, after an SUV slammed into the side of the building.

“A huge crash. The building shook,” said general manager, Jacquie Rousseau. “We found the car through the window.”

Rousseau told CTV News a police officer was in the store at the time and took control of the scene.

“There were a couple of close calls,” Rousseau went on to say. “Two of our cashiers got out of the way just in time.”

Windsor police has not released any details on the incident, including what led to the crash.

Rousseau described the female driver as “quite upset.”

“The police officer was taking care with her … and paramedics came in and took a look at her,” she added.

Rousseau also detailed the support from customers.

“They were dropping off gloves for the cashiers, hand warmers for the cashiers,” she said. “They asked them if they wanted a warm coffee.”

Owner Marc Romualdi said he is very proud of the staff and the customers for stepping up.

“It shows the community pulling together, once again,” he said.