On August 17, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Summit County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Dunkin Donuts located at 3305 Manchester Road in Coventry Township in regards to multiple reports of a vehicle that crashed into the building. The Coventry, New Franklin, Akron, and Green Fire Departments also responded to the scene. When deputies arrived, they found that a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe had crashed into the building and entered the structure. The driver of the Hyundai was identified as William Lavery, age 70 of Akron.
The investigation revealed that Lavery had been in the drive-thru lane of the restaurant. While in the drive-thru lane, Lavery put his vehicle in reverse, struck a second vehicle and that vehicle in turn struck a third vehicle. Lavery then drove forward into a fourth vehicle causing it to hit a fifth vehicle. Lavery then side-swiped another vehicle and drove into the front of the restaurant. As his vehicle went through the front of the building, it struck a pedestrian inside the restaurant. Three people were transported to Akron General Medical Center with minor injuries. All three were released shortly thereafter. Lavery was treated for injuries at Summa Health (Barberton).
Lavery was charged with Driving Under the Influence (M-1), Driving Under Suspension (M-1), Failure to Maintain Reasonable Control (M-M), and Negligent Assault (M-3).
