DROWSY DRIVER PLUNGES INTO POOL

A 19-year-old man got safely out of the car after it landed in the deep end of a swimming pool of a home on Warburton Avenue

SANTA CLARA — A 19year-old man fell asleep behind the wheel, drove through two fences and into a backyard swimming pool early Tuesday, according to police.

The young Santa Clara man escaped from the car after it landed in the deep end of a swimming pool of a home in the 3000 Block of Warburton Avenue, near El Camino Real.

“He was able to get himself out safely before the car went under,” said police Lt. Dan Moreno.

The car was a four-door sedan that KGO-TV reported was a Nissan. The station also said the driver returned and was seen snapping photos of his car being pulled from the pool.

Police responded to a 911 call about 2:48 a.m., Moreno said. Neighbors reported hearing someone call for help. By the time officers arrived, the car

“He was able to get himself out safely before the car went under.” — Lt. Dan Moreno, Santa Clara police

was under water. The driver was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Moreno said. Officers gave him a ride home.

The residents were not at home at the time, but later Tuesday morning someone who described himself as a relative came by to check on the damage and ask if anyone was injured. He said he called the family, who he indicated should be back later in the day.

“They were a little bit shocked,” he said, then referring to the driver added, “I’m glad he’s not hurt.”

The car was towed out of the water late morning.

DAN HONDA/STAFF PHOTOS A car sits at the bottom of a backyard pool Tuesday after its driver crashed through a fence and ended underwater in Santa Clara. There were no reported injuries in the accident.

Tow truck drivers work Tuesday to remove a car from a backyard pool in Santa Clara. The home is at Warburton Avenue and Calabazas Boulevard. The owners were not home at the time.