Out-of-Control Driver Hits 13 Cars in Downtown Rochester Parking Lot

An 86-year-old Rochester man backing out of a downtown parking lot on Thursday afternoon lost control of his vehicle and ran into 13 parked cars, police say.

Only one of the cars was occupied at the time, and no one was injured, according to Chief Steve Schettenhelm.

The incident happened behind Main Street Plaza on the east side of Main Street. Schettenhelm said the vehicle responsible for the accident traveled, in reverse, north in the lot, striking the 13 cars. 

The driver was evaluated by the at the scene and transported to .

The vehicle then made a U-shape turn and entered into the alley, where it stopped.

Schettenhelm said alcohol was not a factor in the crash, but that his department is still investigating the incident and trying to determine whether a medical condition caused the man to lose control.

Witnesses posting comments about the accident on the Rochester Patch Facebook page said the man looked "scared" and "confused."