The staff at a Windsor optometrist’s office is shaken after a deer crashed through their front window on Thursday morning.

Windsor police closed down a section of Howard Avenue near Charles Street after receiving a call about the deer causing havoc inside Dr. Jack Klundart’s office around 10 a.m.

“All you could hear was a horrible sound, like over-sized thunder,” says staff member Karen Anne Robson.

Office staff was able to corner the animal in a bathroom, while they waited for police assistance. Once on scene, officer covered the hallway in dark curtains and opened the rear door of the business – allowing the deer to escape.

“In his fear and flight, when the door slammed closed he realized he was trapped, kept hoofing and pawing at the door.”

Melanie Coulter, executive director at the Windsor-Essex Humane Society, says an OSPCA officer was dispatched to the scene.

“It is hard when they are trapped in a building. This is a wild animal, they're not used to people and when they're trapped, their natural reaction is to panic and escape,” Coulter says.

Police say the animal sustained minor cuts, but was otherwise okay. The bathroom however sustained severe damage.

“Although there was a lot of blood, they were very superficial injuries. It is a tough life out there in the wild and a lot of animals will get scratches and cuts and they are able to heal from those,” says Coulter.

“This is one of those work-life stories. I’ve had one to tell from every place I’ve worked and this one just adds to it,” Robson says.

In the county, OPP are reminding motorists to be vigilant during their commute this fall – especially in November.

Some things drivers should keep in mind include:

  • The highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions are from sunset to midnight and around sunrise so slow down and be attentive.
  • Scan from shoulder to shoulder when watching the road ahead.
  • Use high beam headlights at night when there is no oncoming traffic, they better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
  • Deer seldom run alone, if you see one deer, others may be nearby.
  • Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
  • Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane, 'don't veer for deer.'
  • Always wear your seatbelt.
  • Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer.

If you do hit a deer, police say you should stay calm and pull off to the side of the road as far as possible and active your hazard lights. Call 911 if there are any injuries. You must report the collision if damage exceeds $1,000, you can contact OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

With files from CTV London.