My Ballard reader Erik says he happened upon this scene on Market St. near Ballard Ave. just after 6 p.m. Friday evening.

He says witnesses told him a SUV accidentally backed into the parking meter, sending it flying across the sidewalk, nearly hitting a pedestrian. (Thanks Erik!)

Update: To a couple of our commenters, this conjures up memories of the Ballard Driving Academy spoof by Almost Live years ago. Watch the video here. “Don’t look back, do it by sound…. That’s the Ballard way.”