BEDFORD — A local woman is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly crashing her vehicle into a gas station freezer and then entering the store to purchase lottery tickets without reporting the accident.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Bailey Duprey of the Bedford Police Department, the incident occurred on December 20, 2025, at the Circle K gas station located at 729 16th Street.
Police were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports that a vehicle had struck an ice machine on the south side of the building. Upon arrival, Officer Duprey observed “heavy damage” to the freezer unit.
Security footage from the establishment revealed a gray 2001 Buick Century entering the parking lot and driving directly into the freezer. The video then showed the driver backing the vehicle into a standard parking spot. An older female exited the car, entered the store, and purchased lottery tickets before leaving the premises, before the staff could review the footage.
While the license plate was initially unreadable, store employees were able to identify the plate two days later, leading police to the registered owner, Phyllis Grissom, 72.
During a follow-up interview on December 22, Grissom allegedly confessed to the incident. She told officers that her flip-flops had become stuck on the accelerator, causing the vehicle to surge into the ice machine.
When asked why she did not report the accident to store staff, Grissom reportedly stated she “did not know the employees” and claimed they were all new. She further noted that she would have informed them of the damage if she had been familiar with the workers.
Records revealed that Grissom’s driving status is listed as habitual traffic violator-Life. During the investigation, she reportedly admitted to police that she was aware of this status and was actively attempting to have her license reinstated.
A warrant was requested for Grissom’s arrest on charges of leaving the scene of an accident and habitual traffic violator. She was detained on January 21.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
