Driver ‘intentionally’ crashes into Philadelphia Police District building; 5 hurt

New video shows driver crash into Philly police station

Police say an SUV crashed into the lobby of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Second District on Castor Avenue at around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, and the people inside escaped with only minor injuries. Officers say the crash was deliberate and are still investigating the motive.

PHILADELPHIA - Emergency crews are on the scene after a vehicle crashed into the Philadelphia Police Department's 2nd District Tuesday afternoon.

What we know:

The crash happened around 1:45 p.m. on the 7300 block of Castor Avenue in Rhawnhurst.

SKYFOX was live over the scene, showing a vehicle completely inside the building after smashing through doors and windows.

Castor Avenue was closed in the area.

Dig deeper:

Police say they responded at 11:40 a.m. to a disturbance involving an individual and their father. 

The same individual then drove southbound on Castor Avenue, made a hard right turn, and crashed into the police building, according to police. 

Surveillance video from Queens Market Halal Food shows the SUV driving south on Castor Avenue and slowing down before going out of view, according to police. 

FOX 29 obtained video showing the moment the vehicle crashed into the building. 

"It is clearly a deliberate act," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

Five people in the lobby were treated for minor injuries, according to police. 

Clarence Armstrong, who was inside the building during the crash, said, "it was the most startling sound. I think I’ve ever heard." Armstrong also said, "the glass, shattering and loud boom all within about literally feet of me." 

Police say the bomb squad cleared the car before it was towed away. Officers say the crash has not been ruled a terror attack but that possibility is being investigated. 

The driver was taken into custody at the scene. 

"There was nothing to indicate the man would be upset with police to cause this level of harm and destruction," said Commissioner Bethel. "And even more fortunate we had a homeless man who often times frequent the lobby he had just apparently got up to the restroom. We’re very very fortunate today."

Armstrong said, "life any given moment any given second is not promised to us so a situation like that really helped put into perspective of just how short life can be."

What they're saying:

Gabriel Nascimento of Oxford Circle said, "that’s what it seems like he went straight in there." 

Valeria Renteria of Oxford Circle said, "that’s very sad but not shocking at all to me honestly." 

Commissioner Bethel said, "I don’t know what could’ve caused that other than somebody who is in a different state of mind." 

Armstrong said he was grateful to have been in the bathroom and not in the lobby at the time of the crash. 

Police say all five individuals in the lobby were treated for minor injuries and are relieved that Armstrong is safe. 

The crash is still under investigation and police are reviewing all available video footage.

What we don't know:

Police have not released the name of the driver or any charges. 

The motive for the crash is still under investigation and it has not been determined if it was a terror attack.