(news story and surveillence) 12/25 FT. LAUDERDALE A Food Express shop at 3307 W.Broward Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale was smashed into by a vehicle early Tuesday, and the driver then fled the scene with the same vehicle.

It was all caught on surveillance cameras; a Ford Windstar minivan destroying the protective front shutters of the shop, which is located a few blocks from the Broward Sheriff Office headquarters.

Before the accident occurred, another camera angle showed the minivan traveling westbound in the eastbound lane on Broward Blvd. at 33rd Ave. To avoid another vehicle, it swerved directly into the store.

The store was closed at the time.

"I thought someone was robbing the store," owner Sam Alqadi said. He's been robbed three times in the past four years.

Alqadi's son Mohammad said the driver should have stopped and reported the incident. "He should have waited for police."

On Christmas day, customers shared their sympathy for the Alqadi family. One customer explained, "I feel this is disgusting. Sam is a good merchant. I can't believe this."