Since many DUIs in California involve accidents, it is no surprise that property damage comes into consideration. While property damage can include damage to vehicles, it can also include damage to buildings, including homes and businesses. Unlike injuries, property damage doesn’t normally come into consideration for additional penalties. However, a prosecutor can ask that a judge consider giving the maximum penalties when property damage is incurred. The judge may also order that a person convicted of a DUI involving property damage pay restitution. NBC Los Angeles reports on a suspected DUI driver crashing into a Hacienda Heights home.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department responded to a call involving a traffic collision into a structure at about 3:15 p.m. Sunday.
Church members had concluded their worship at about 3:00 p.m. and were congregating at the designated area for after-worship gatherings. A vehicle charged then into the structure.
One of the males gathered there pushed a woman and some children and took the force of the crash.
A female pastor was also hit by the vehicle. In all, three people were transported to the hospital following the accident.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the home was arrested on suspicion of DUI. The driver was also taken to the hospital to receive treatment for the injuries that were sustained in the accident.
The church owns the building that was affected by the accident. A GoFundMe page has been started to pay for repairs.
