A pickup truck backed into Canyon Foods in Hungry Horse Friday evening about 9:30 p.m. and the driver now faces charges. No one was injured, though the store had extensive damage.

Hungry Horse Fire Chief Jared Lako said there were several people less than 12 feet from the truck as it rammed into the store just north of the main entrance. The truck hit the building with such force that a meat slicer was sent flying down one of the aisles. It had pulled partially back out of the building by the time firefighters arrived. 

Firefighters secured the scene while law enforcement investigated. Misty Lee Howell, 51, was booked into the Flathead County Detention Center on a charge of allegedly driving under the influence, fourth or greater offense. 

The store, which is a vital part of the Hungry Horse community, remains open to the public. Owner Dan Petek said the deli and bakery are closed for the time being. He said it was a miracle that the building didn’t collapse, as the truck took out a corner post, but the headers held. 

The store has been in business as a grocery since 1979 and Petek has owned it since 1988. It had been a drug store since the 1950s. 

Lako said the fire department was off the scene about 11:20 p.m.