Generally buying from a store has its advantages and disadvantages. Price is generally way higher, but many of the "stores" offer warranty and service. Depends on how much you want to spend and how much repair you want to learn.

I would bet there is a playfield switch stuck somewhere. Turn the game off and back on and if a switch is stuck, you will see a report about it on the DMD right away.

I'd play it until it happens again. A tech may not be able to find anything if it is not acting up. Just wasting his time and your money. The crashing sound is key. Listen as you play for that same sound. See if you can figure out what targets make that sound. Then, next time the game acts up, check those targets first to see if they are bent or stuck.