LIVERMORE FALLS — A local man told police he swerved to avoid an animal on Main Street (Route 4) early Sunday and ended up hitting a pickup truck parked at the former Ben’s Variety, police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. said.

The truck was pushed into the north side of the building, Steward said. The former store property is owned by Fred Franchetti of Livermore.

Robert Ryan, 59, of Livermore was driving toward downtown at approximately 3:16 a.m. when the crash occurred.

The 1999 Ford truck was struck on the rear passenger corner and had to be towed from the scene, Steward said. The last known driver of the truck was Patricia Burnham.

Ryan was checked by medical personnel from NorthStar EMS ambulance, Steward said. Jay police also assisted.

Ryan’s 2005 Jeep had to be towed.

Officer Devon Bohacik was still gathering information and did not immediately have the estimate of damage to the building available.

dperry@sunjournal.com