On Friday, September 18, at approximately 8:01 a.m., Camas Police and Camas Washington Fire Department responded to a traffic collision that impacted a residential property on the 2600 block of Northwest Kent Street.
What happened
The incident began when a driver attempted to reverse a vehicle into a parking stall belonging to a nearby business. According to the police report, the driver confused the accelerator for the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to lurch backward, jump the curb, and continue into the side of a townhouse.
First responders arrived quickly and confirmed that, despite the significant damage to both the vehicle and the townhouse, no one was injured. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Investigation findings
Camas Police Department officials said the preliminary investigation points to driver error as the primary cause. The department’s traffic unit reviewed dash‑camera footage and statements from witnesses, which corroborated the claim that the accelerator was pressed unintentionally.
“This appears to be a classic case of pedal misapplication,” said Sgt. Mark Jensen of Camas Police. “Fortunately, everyone involved walked away unharmed, but the property damage underscores the importance of staying focused when operating a vehicle, especially in tight parking situations.”
Community impact
The townhouse’s owner reported extensive damage to the exterior wall, windows, and interior finishes. Insurance adjusters have been dispatched to assess the repair costs, and the homeowner is expected to begin restoration work once the evaluation is complete.
Local businesses in the area were briefly disrupted as traffic was rerouted while crews cleared the wreckage and secured the scene. The Camas Department of Public Works placed signage to guide motorists around the affected block until the street was fully reopened.
Safety reminder
City officials used the incident as an opportunity to remind residents and visitors of safe driving practices in residential neighborhoods. Camas Police recommends the following precautions when backing into parking spaces:
- Always keep both hands on the steering wheel and use the brake pedal first.
- Engage the vehicle’s rear‑view camera or backup sensors, if equipped.
- Proceed slowly and be prepared to stop immediately if an obstacle is detected.
- Avoid distractions such as mobile devices while maneuvering.
These guidelines are part of the city’s broader effort to reduce traffic accidents and protect both property and lives.
Next steps
The driver will face a citation for careless operation of a vehicle, and the case will be forwarded to the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for possible further action. Camas Police will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the investigation concludes.
Residents with additional information about the crash are encouraged to contact the Camas Police Department’s non‑emergency line at (360) 696‑5300.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
