Man Charged With DUI After Car Crashes Into Manatee Avenue Market
A late-night crash at the Manatee Avenue Market on Tuesday left the front of the neighborhood store boarded up and employees shaken, but the community was quick to rally behind the small business.
According to law enforcement, a car driven by Eric Arzate jumped the curb and smashed through the store’s front entrance just before closing time. Arzate was arrested and charged with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to DUI testing. He was later released on bond.
Inside the market, employee Chris Reese was working in the back when the building suddenly jolted. Security footage shows the car plowing through the glass doors, scattering debris across the parking lot and into the store. Moments later, Reese can be seen stepping into view, visibly stunned as he approached the wreckage.
Store owners Traci Kearton and her husband rushed to the scene after receiving a call about the crash. They arrived to find shattered glass, damaged merchandise, and a gaping opening where the entrance once stood. While the store was closed at the time, the sudden impact raised immediate concerns for staff safety.
Before the Florida Highway Patrol cleared the scene, neighbors and customers began arriving to help. Several community members assisted the Keartons in boarding up the entrance to secure the store for the night.
The business reopened the following morning, operating normally despite the plywood covering the front doors. The owners are now awaiting insurance inspections and repairs, but say the outpouring of support has reinforced their confidence that the market will bounce back.
As the investigation continues, Manatee Avenue Market remains open to customers, grateful for the community response after the unexpected crash.
