A terrifying scene unfolded at the 32 Degrees Barbershop in Houston, Texas, when a Porsche Macan SUV plowed through the establishment, injuring multiple people, including a 10-year-old boy. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, shows the vehicle crashing through a neighboring shop before bursting into the barbershop, sending debris flying and patrons scrambling for safety. The young boy, who was waiting for a haircut, was struck directly by the vehicle and propelled through a wall into an adjacent massage parlor. He suffered internal bleeding and was rushed to the hospital, where he is now recovering in the ICU. A second woman also sustained injuries and received medical treatment.
The chaotic scene inside the barbershop was amplified by the sudden intrusion of the vehicle. Approximately 25 barbers and customers were present at the time of the crash, some mid-haircut. The sound of the Porsche tearing through the neighboring shop served as a brief warning, prompting those inside to react. However, the speed of the SUV left little time for escape, and the impact resulted in widespread destruction and injuries. The force of the collision created a gaping hole in the walls of the barbershop and sent debris scattering throughout the interior.
The driver of the Porsche, a 61-year-old man, continued his trajectory through four interior walls before finally coming to a stop within a gun shop located within the same strip mall. According to the strip mall’s owner, Joseph Rothchild, who spoke with the driver after the incident, the man claimed to have just undergone treatment at a dialysis center prior to the crash. The driver purportedly recalled backing up and moving forward with his vehicle but had no memory of the events between those actions and regaining consciousness within the gun shop.
Authorities are holding the driver responsible for the accident, regardless of intent. This determination effectively designates him as liable for the consequences of the crash, irrespective of any underlying medical conditions or mitigating circumstances. The incident occurred around 12:15 pm on Saturday, December 14th, disrupting the normalcy of a busy Saturday afternoon at the barbershop and leaving lasting physical and emotional scars on those involved.
The young boy’s barber, Chez Robertson, recounted the ordinary Saturday afternoon that turned extraordinary in an instant. He had just finished with a client and was preparing to give the 10-year-old his haircut when the crash occurred. Robertson expressed relief at the boy’s improving condition and requested continued prayers for the young victim, describing him as a humorous child who enjoyed playful banter with his barber. The community is undoubtedly rallying around the boy and his family, offering support during this difficult time.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected and devastating consequences that can arise from unforeseen circumstances. The seemingly mundane act of getting a haircut was abruptly transformed into a scene of chaos and trauma, highlighting the fragility of everyday life. The investigation into the crash will likely delve into the driver’s medical history and the events leading up to the incident to determine the precise cause of the accident. The incident also underscores the importance of safety measures in commercial establishments and the need for swift emergency response in such situations.
