Full Breakdown
Man Crashes Into Closed Kroger in Rosenberg Over Locked Restroom
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
Early Sunday morning, September 27, a 60-year-old driver identified as James Mansell Lancaster Jr. of Natchez, Mississippi, deliberately accelerated his 2006 Chevrolet HHR into the front entrance of a Kroger supermarket in Rosenberg, Texas, after discovering the doors were locked and he needed to use the restroom. The vehicle breached the pharmacy entrance, came to rest near a Halloween-candy display, and caused extensive interior damage. No injuries were reported.
Police Account and Legal Action
The Rosenberg Police Department released images of the crash and confirmed the driver “intentionally accelerated” into the store at about 4:28 a.m. “On Sunday, September 27th, at approximately 0428, a known male individual intentionally accelerated into Kroger, causing extensive damage to the pharmacy entrance,” — Rosenberg Police. “All he said was the doors were locked and he had to use the restroom,” — Lieutenant Munoz. Lancaster was charged with one count of criminal mischief causing $30,000–$150,000 in property damage, a third-degree felony, and was detained at the Fort Bend County Jail. Police have not disclosed whether he retained counsel.
Kroger’s Response
The chain referred all media inquiries to the police department.
Damage and Charges
Investigators estimated the property damage at roughly $50,000, based on the destruction of shelving, glass, and the pharmacy entrance. The felony charge reflects Texas statutes for criminal mischief exceeding $30,000 in losses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All he said was the doors were locked and he had to use the restroom,” — Lieutenant Munoz
- “On Sunday, September 27th, at approximately 0428, a known male individual intentionally accelerated into Kroger, causing extensive damage to the pharmacy entrance,” — Rosenberg Police