SUV crashes into house; driver facing charges
An impaired driver crashed into a Nanaimo home Monday night, jolting the homeowner awake.
A black SUV went through hedges on a property, then broke through the main supporting wall below a second-storey balcony of a Bowen Road home about 11:25 p.m., said Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Const. Gary O’Brien.
Police said the 32-year-old homeowner woke up and called police.
Two passengers got out of the car and fled the scene.
RCMP arrived as the driver was trying to reverse out of the yard. A 23-year-old man was arrested for impaired driving.
The driver was given two breathalyzer tests and both were over the legal limit, O’Brien said. He was served with a promise to appear in court on charges of impaired driving and given a ticket for not having a valid driver’s licence.
“Investigators would like to speak with the two passengers who fled to ensure they were not injured and to learn their version of events,” O’Brien said.
Anyone with information on the identity of the passengers is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. Anonymous reports can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The homeowner was offered short-term accommodation by Nanaimo’s emergency social services, but stayed with a neighbour instead.