COLUMBIA, S.C. - A Columbia police officer has been cleared by the Highway Patrol in the crash of his cruiser into a business here that injured 11 people.

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