Story/Photos by ALAN ETTER

Patrons of a Northeast DC fast-food restaurant were stunned when two adult deer crashed through a large window and then ran frantically around the restaurant.

One of the deer jumped back through the window and ran away while the other was so severely hurt, animal control officers responded to tranquilize the animal and take it away.

Just before 11:00 AM on Friday, October 25th - the deer, according to witnesses, bounded straight for the window and smashed through, sending about 20 employees and customers scrambling for cover.

As one of the deer lay in the floor seriously hurt, the other dashed about the restaurant - even running back behind the counter to the area where food is prepared. It then escaped through the broken window.

Fire/EMS crews responded at 11:13 to find a chaotic scene in the restaurant at 75 New York Ave, NE.

EMTs treated and transported four women who were slightly injured in the melee. Their injuries ranged from cuts and scrapes to minor back pain.

Medics on the scene said it did not appear any of the patients were hit by the deer, but, rather, they were injured trying to get away from the animals.