There was some excitement at the Big Lots Store in New Market Center yesterday afternoon, as shoppers witnessed a startled deer running toward the store. Ben Harmon reported to GoBlueRidge.net that at 3:30, the deer “knocked itself cold when running in the door” of the store. He said it was first spotted “running through the parking lot, then onto the sidewalk at Lowes Foods, then very fast straight into big lots door.” The unconscious animal landed at the feet of a blow-up Santa and snowman.  Boone Police were called to deal with the animal.

(Photos: Ben Harmon)