Woman injured when classic car driver backs into her, Woodland store

An elderly driver told authorities he wasn't sure how his 1932 Ford roadster reversed into Woodland's True Value last month and injured a woman during the city's annual Planters Days festival.

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Jerry Donald Pritchett, 76, of Vancouver, was cited for wheels off the roadway on June 22, according to Cowlitz County District Court records. He has since paid his fine.

Emergency responders sent the victim, Linda Nell Bozarth, 74, of Vancouver, to the hospital after the roughly 2:37 p.m. crash on June 21 during the festival's car show, according to requested public records.

The Woodland Police Department declined to comment on the accident immediately afterward.

A witness told police the Ford pulled forward a little before speeding backward into Bozarth, who was standing on the sidewalk in front of True Value, at 218 Davidson Ave., the records show.

The left rear of the vehicle went through the glass and the wall of the hardware store.

Manager Alan Chimenti confirmed to The Daily News that the store sustained damage to the front windows and some items.

The store also posted a message online the day after the accident, stating the business remains open while repairs are made.

Both the store and driver have insurance, the notice continues.

"What happened was truly a very unfortunate freak accident caused by no intentional neglect or recklessness of the car driver," the message reads.

Bozarth was pinned between the Ford and the wall before she fell to the ground, according to the collision report.

Pritchett showed no signs of being under the influence of an intoxicant after performing a field sobriety test, but couldn't provide his insurance information, records show.

Bozarth reportedly suffered an injury to the hip area and was sent to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. Her injuries are described as non-life-threatening in the report.

PHOTOS: 1932 roadster hits Woodland hardware store

The accident occurred during the city's annual Planters Days festival.

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 6:29 PM.