Resident Almost Hit as Fleeing Driver Crashes Into House
A suspected drunk driver allegedly trying to evade police crashed into a house early Saturday and narrowly missed a woman sleeping inside, police said.
Damon Haroutunian, 20, was arrested about 1 a.m. on suspicion of drunk driving, evading arrest and hit-and-run driving, said Police Lt. Mike Hanrahan.
The suspect tried to flee and hid in the bushes after the collision, Hanrahan said.
The incident began when police officers spotted the van heading the wrong way in the southbound lanes of Bushard Street near the Ellis Avenue intersection. Officers chased the driver, following the van into a housing tract, where it crashed into the home in the 17000 block of Walnut Street, police said.
Haroutunian was treated for injuries to his face but was not hospitalized, Hanrahan said.
The woman, who was not identified, was not injured. Her home, however, sustained extensive damage, police said.
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