Shop owner pleads drivers to 'slow down' after car crashes into store 3 days before opening

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A smoke shop in Milwaukee was just three days away from opening when a car crashed into it Monday, March 11.

Milwaukee police say the vehicle crashed into what is currently Starship Vape and Tobacco.

The crash reportedly occurred at around 3:34 p.m. when a driver lost control while swerving to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

That swerve caused the driver to lose control before crashing into the building located on Glendale and Hopkins.

The smoke shop is where owner Anton Hamilton's dream stood. 

“I just finished it and was ready to open Thursday and she runs into there," said Hamilton. "What kind of world we standing in now, where there’s no compassion anymore? That’s what needs to stop.”

Hamilton spent his entire life saving up to start his small business -- Hopkins Smoke and Vape. 

“For the reconstruction and everything, I put like $15,000 in this," said Hamilton. 

On Monday afternoon, that dream came to a halt. No injuries were reported, but an employee was inside the shop during the time of the crash. 

“It just – she just shattered it right now," said Hamilton. “We just took the fender out this morning, but the car came in, they had to pull it out and this is what’s left right here. So, we gotta get all this fixed.”

Now, Hamilton is rebuilding his business, with a message.

“You drive for yourself and everybody else, you know what I'm saying. You don’t just drive for yourself – drive for everybody else, so no one gets hurt," said Hamilton.

It’s a simple plea, he says, but one he hopes will keep other people and businesses safe.

“Just slow down. Think about other people," said Hamilton.

Hamilton has set up a GoFundMe to help with repair costs. If you would like to donate, click here.