LAFAYETTE, LA – A Lafayette tattoo shop is picking up the pieces after a shocking crash that sent a vehicle smashing through the front of its building, injuring an employee and forcing the business to relocate part of its operations temporarily.
The incident occurred Saturday afternoon in the 2000 block of Johnston Street. According to Lafayette Police, a vehicle traveling north on Whittington Drive failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a pedestrian on an electric scooter. The car then continued across all four lanes of Johnston Street before crashing into Be True Tattoo, striking an employee who was working behind the front counter.
Tattoo Shop Shares Emotional Update
In a statement posted on Instagram and Facebook, Be True Tattoo identified the injured staff member as “Chase,” a front desk employee well-known to the shop’s clientele. The post included photos of the damage, showing that part of the business’s right side had been completely demolished.
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A post shared by Be True Tattoo (@betruetattoo)
“Today, Saturday June 28th, a vehicle crossed all 4 lanes of traffic on Johnston St and crashed through our building,” the shop wrote. “The vehicle destroyed the entire right side of our shop and unfortunately struck our beloved counter staff Chase. Chase is currently in the hospital recovering from his injuries and we ask all of you to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Shop Relocates Services, Plans Fundraisers
Due to the extent of the damage, Be True Tattoo will relocate its tattoo services to its sister location, Instant Classic Tattoo, at 3302 Johnston Street. Piercing services will be paused for the time being…