Calgary Restaurant Crash Driver Pleads Guilty to Careless Driving Charge
An 80-year-old man responsible for driving a truck into a popular southeast Calgary restaurant in August 2022, resulting in multiple hospitalizations, has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of careless driving. Dharam Raj Lakhan entered his plea during a court proceeding on Thursday morning, concluding a case that initially involved more serious allegations.
Original Charges Reduced to Careless Driving
Lakhan was originally charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle after the incident at Sammy's Chophouse. According to police reports at the time, he drove the truck into the establishment "at a high rate of speed." The guilty plea to the lesser charge resulted in a sentence of a $2,400 fine and a three-month driver's license suspension.
Forensic evidence presented in court indicated that Lakhan mistakenly pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake, with the pedal depressed at 90 percent capacity. This mechanical detail explains the high velocity with which the vehicle struck the building, causing significant structural damage and personal injuries.
Victim Expresses Disappointment with Legal Outcome
David Metcalfe, one of the individuals injured in the crash, voiced his dissatisfaction with the court's decision. "I was looking forward to quite a severe sentence in view of all the damage he'd caused and personal injuries," Metcalfe stated. He was among three victims who provided impact statements during the proceedings, detailing the physical and psychological consequences of the accident.
Metcalfe described his injuries, which included a deep gash on the back of his head, severe bruising, a later bout of sciatica, and a fractured leg. He was seated at the bar watching a football game when the truck crashed through the restaurant. "There was a rush of wind in my ear, and the truck hit the bar," he recalled. "There was only about a foot at most between me and the truck, which was astonishing."
Ongoing Physical and Emotional Trauma
The recovery process has been lengthy and challenging for Metcalfe. It took approximately six months before he could walk properly again, and he required a cane for an extended period afterward. Even now, walking long distances remains difficult. The emotional scars persist as well.
"When I see a black pickup truck, I tend to hesitate, even when I'm driving and one pulls up beside me," Metcalfe admitted. "It reminds me of what happened." The trauma continues to affect his daily life, highlighting the lasting impact of the incident beyond the immediate physical injuries.
Restaurant Rebuild and Personal Reconciliation
Sammy's Chophouse underwent months of reconstruction before reopening. Metcalfe visited after the repairs were completed, noting that the restaurant looked "how nice it looked" with its new bar and furniture. However, each visit serves as a reminder of the accident, though he still considers it one of his favorite places.
Reflecting on the court outcome, Metcalfe mentioned that he had anticipated a different resolution. "I thought we would all be going tonight to celebrate (Lakhan's) conviction on six counts of dangerous driving," he said, underscoring his expectation for a more stringent legal response given the severity of the crash and its consequences.
The case underscores the complex interplay between legal proceedings and victim perspectives in incidents involving vehicular accidents. While Lakhan's guilty plea brings a formal conclusion to the legal matter, the physical and emotional repercussions for those affected continue to resonate, raising questions about sentencing adequacy in cases of significant public and personal harm.
