Woman Charged With Crashing Into Building In Yonkers, Running Off
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A woman was charged with leaving the scene of an accident Wednesday, after she allegedly crashed into a bar in Yonkers and prompted authorities to evacuate the entire building.
Samantha J. Rodriguez, 23, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, Yonkers police said. She turned herself into police around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, accompanied by an attorney, police said.
The car crashed 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.
The car came to a stop on McLean Avenue, where the woman driver was spotted leaving on foot somewhat unevenly.
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.
Ten adults, four children, and three pets had to be put out.
Savino said the damage to the building was "extensive – it could be at least $150,000."
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