Quoted Text

SCHENECTADY -- The driver of a vehicle that crashed into a bank building in downtown Schenectady this morning says she was distracted by a pedestrian while she was turning on to Broadway, causing her to  drive on to the sidewalk.

The driver also admitted she was lighting a cigarette while turning, said Schenectady Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Eric Clifford.

The vehicle crashed into the side of the SEFCU bank branch at State St. and Broadway, causing damage to the window. There was no structural damage, said Sgt. Clifford.

The driver, who remains unidentified, was cited for driving on the sidewalk.

There were no injuries in the incident, said Sgt. Clifford.

http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/schenectady-1266616-bank-building.html

sssssshhhhhhhhhh

Gives a whole new perspective on "Drive thru" - or "drive up banking"

DWI, DWUI, DWT........then.........DWS!

OH NO!

DWLU.  You'll have to pull over to light it, then you can pull out to smoke it.

I missed seeing this by about 10 seconds yesterday.  Had no idea about the press conference in front of the DOT offices, so many of us were quite surprised that camera guys showed up before the SPD cruiser could make the turn from State onto Broadway.  

Quasi-political note: Jerry Jennings, Albany's mayor came around the corner to check out what was going on.  Chatted with several of us milling about being gawkers.  Cracked the crowd up with his "Well, any excuse for a press conference" line.  It should be noted that Brian Stratton, Schenectady's mayor, stayed far away, preferring to chat up Paul Tonko and other administration types.  Jennings hung out until SFD said the driver was OK, then he went back to the DOT entrance.

Why was Jennings in Schenectady now? Just to be in front of another camera?

The Rt5 press conference was being held in front of the DOT building, about 10yds down on State St.  So, yes, it was just as Jennings said "Any excuse for a press conference."