Patrolman Nole Dow, 43, told troopers the accelerator of his 1999 cruiser was stuck about 6:55 p.m. Sunday when his car hit a convenience store.
A woman and an 11-year-old girl also were inside the cruiser, patrol spokesman Josef Robinson said. Dow was taking the child, who had been reported as a runaway, back home, said Columbia police Capt. Carl Burke. The woman had been helping Dow find the child.
None of the injuries were life-threatening.
Thomas Allen Jr., who said he has owned the business for 8 years, said the city has agreed to make repairs. Damage was estimated between $50,000 and $70,000.
Allen, 37, said he hopes to reopen by the weekend.
Dow has been employed with the police department since 1999.
Information from: The State