Car bursts into flames after crashing into Phoenix auto repair shop

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A car crashed into a locally owned auto shop Saturday night near 7th Avenue and Indian School, leaving behind devastating damage and a heartbroken small business owner not sure how he will recover.

“It’s heart wrenching because this building is not just my business, it’s part of me. I literally felt like part of me died when I looked at this last night, it killed me,” said Denver Davis, the owner of Denver’s Car Care.

Just before 10 p.m. Saturday night, the auto shop’s camera captured a car barreling down 7th Avenue before spinning out and slamming into Davis’s auto shop, where it eventually burst into flames.

“When I got here, came around the corner, and the car was on fire, I just dropped my knees, I could barely keep it together,” Davis said.

He says crashes are common in the Melrose District where 7th Avenue curves. Only weeks ago, he says a car slammed into a different business nearby.

Audrey Corley, who owns Boycott Bar next door, said she’s been sounding the alarm about high speeds in the area for years.

“It’s dangerous, something has to be done,” Corley said. “How many people have to die before change is made?”

Shortly after the Saturday night crash, a group of people gathered to help a man out of the driver side door, but within seconds, that man took off.

Davis has a message if he happens to be listening.

“I don’t think he realizes what he’s done to a family. It’s my family right here, you know,” Davis said.

Phoenix police said they found a man near the crash who was hurt. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.

They did not confirm if that man was the driver or if he was involved in the crash.

Investigators said any potential charges will be considered once their investigation is complete.

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