Car smashes into Freeland storefront, community rallies to help owner recover

A late afternoon collision on Dec. 9 left a Freeland shop with a hole through its brick wall and front door, and a community mobilized to help. Noel Nic’Fergusson was behind the register at Wild Birds Unlimited when a blue Subaru entered the building at the Van Barr Place shopping mall. South Whidbey Fire/EMS responded around 3:40 p.m. to the scene. An elderly woman driving the vehicle appeared to have entered the building by accident. The car struck a water pipe and caused flooding inside the store. There were no injuries.

Volunteers and nearby businesses moved quickly to pump out water and secure the damaged storefront. Crews patched the opening with plywood that volunteers painted to resemble a brick wall and a faux door, complete with a sign reading "please use other door". A pile of bricks left outside the shop remains a visible reminder of the crash. Some merchandise was lost to water damage. Remaining undamaged product was offered at steep discounts and sold quickly as locals supported the owner.

The incident underscores the role of rapid emergency response and grassroots civic engagement in limiting damage to a local small business. South Whidbey Fire/EMS personnel provided on scene care and stabilization. Neighbors and fellow merchants supplied labor and materials to clear water and temporarily repair the storefront, allowing the owner to plan for reopening the following Saturday morning.

Public safety and municipal policy questions follow incidents like this. The crash points to decisions about parking layout, protective barriers in front of storefronts, and infrastructure such as exposed water piping. County building and permitting processes will likely guide permanent repairs and any required inspections. For residents who value local commerce, the episode highlights how civic participation and organized volunteerism can supplement official response while pointing to policy areas for county review.

For customers and community members, the event is a reminder of the fragility of small businesses and the value of neighborly support. It is also an opportunity for Island County officials, business owners and voters to examine whether existing safety measures and permitting practices adequately protect businesses and pedestrians along busy shopping strips.