LONG BEACH, CA – A suspected DUI driver was arrested after crashing an SUV into a Long Beach home Tuesday afternoon, leaving the structure uninhabitable and sending two women to the hospital.
The Collision and Damage
The incident occurred just before 2:00 p.m. near East Bort Street and Long Beach Boulevard. Preliminary reports indicate that the driver of a white Infiniti SUV lost control of the vehicle, smashed through a perimeter fence, and plowed deep into the residence.
Visual evidence from the scene showed the SUV wedged halfway inside the home, with an entire exterior wall completely destroyed. Following an inspection by city officials, the residence was officially red-tagged, meaning it has been deemed structurally unsafe to occupy.
Injuries and Arrest
Two female passengers from the vehicle sustained injuries during the impact and were transported by paramedics to a local area hospital. One of the women was treated for facial injuries; the current medical status of both victims has not yet been released.
The male driver was evaluated at the scene and seen cooperating with a police breathalyzer test. Authorities confirmed that he was taken into custody on suspected DUI charges after receiving medical clearance at a hospital.
Displacement and Investigation
It remains unclear exactly how many residents were inside the house when the vehicle breached the wall. However, at least three people were escorted away from the wrecked property by emergency crews and are currently displaced.
The Long Beach Police Department is continuing to investigate the exact factors that led to the crash.
