Car Crashes Into Yonkers Building, Ruining Bar And Displacing 4 Families
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A driver was out of control and apparently under the influence when she slammed into a building in Yonkers early Tuesday – and all of it was caught on tape.
As CBS 2's Lou Young reported, four families were ordered out of their homes after the incident at McLean Avenue and Bronx River Road in Yonkers at 1:25 a.m. Tuesday.
Police late Tuesday afternoon were searching for the driver, who also destroyed the River's Edge bar when she barreled her car into the building.
The car crushed right the front of the bar.
"She just didn't even stop. She ran right into the building. Backed up and tried to take off, but her car gave out about a block and half up the road," building Ben Savino told CBS 2's Young. "She just missed taking out the whole building by inches. One of the support beams right there by the door is what she just missed by inches."
Surveillance video shows the late-model Nissan speeding off Webster Avenue and into the building at a high rate of speed, backing up, and speeding off while leaking fluids from the engine.
"I don't know how this woman isn't hurt," said witness Cynthia Arnau.
The car came to a stop on McLean Avenue, where the woman driver was spotted leaving on foot somewhat unevenly.
"She was completely drunk; she couldn't even walk," said witness Jessica Thompson.
The bar owner was surprised no one was killed or injured.
"It could have been a disaster, because there are always people at this end of the bar," said bar owner Rocco Scarcella.
But the bar was closed and there were no injuries. Still, the car hit so close to the support columns and a gas line that the Department of Buildings in Yonkers ordered the four apartments upstairs evacuated while inspections were conducted.
Savino said the damage to the building was "extensive – it could be at least $150,000."
As of late Tuesday afternoon, four families remained displaced – 10 adults, four children, and three pets. Police have the car and were searching Tuesday afternoon for its owner.
The four displaced families were being put up by the American Red Cross until the end of the week, when it is hoped they will be able to return to their apartments.
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