DURHAM, N.C. –A Durham family got a startling wake up call early Sunday morning when a drunk driver slammed into their home.
The Durham Police Department said a woman crashed into a home in the 4500 block of Amberstone Way around 1:33 a.m. on Sunday.
Police said the driver first crashed into a Nissan parked on the side of the street, she then tried to back away and flee the scene, but ended up inside the home’s living room, just missing a propane tank by a few feet.
Police said the crash caused “pretty significant” structural damage to the home, and the car was left in place until a specialist could evaluate whether it could be safely moved with causing further structural damage.
Homeowner Anthoin Crutchfield said he was asleep with his family when he heard a loud bang. He thought someone was trying to break into his home.
Instead, Crutchfield said he came downstairs to see the Toyota in his living room. He said the driver and the passenger were trying to get out by revving the engine, but they had to be let out by firefighters.
He said that while he’s happy his family is safe, he’s trying to figure out what’s next for their home.
“Right now I’m confused,” Crutchfield said. “I don’t know what to do or what to say because this is not something you see every day. But my insurance company is taking care of it and I am at ease with that.”
The crash could have been much worse for the Crutchfield family. He said his children were asleep above where the car crashed through the outside wall.
“My kid’s room is right upstairs, right above the crash,” he said. “They could have fallen right through. This is just another reason why people shouldn’t drink and drive.”
The Cruthfield’s are staying with family and their insurance is working to get them into a hotel.
The driver in the crash is being held in the Durham County Jail.
