Driver arrested in West Philadelphia hit-and-run involving police car
Tesla hits police car, Impala, then home in West Philly
A man was arrested and faces charges after crashing a Tesla SUV into a police car, another vehicle, and a home in West Philadelphia, highlighting ongoing concerns about speeding in the area.
PHILADELPHIA - A man is facing charges after police say he crashed a Tesla SUV into a police car, another vehicle, and then a home at the corner of 50th and Walnut Streets in West Philadelphia.
The driver was arrested after running from the scene, according to police.
What we know:
Police say an officer was driving a patrol car near the 4900 block of Spruce Street around 3:30 a.m. when it was struck by a blue Tesla.
The Tesla continued driving a few blocks away when police say it crashed into a Chevy Impala before crashing into a home that houses a photography studio at the intersection of 50th & Walnut streets.
The driver of the Tesla fled the scene of the crash, leaving behind the crumpled Tesla slammed into the side of a building.
Police say the officer involved in the first crash was not injured.
The driver of the Impala was seriously injured and rushed to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, according to police.
Police reported that the driver, a 35-year-old man, was taken into custody at a residence on the 4900 block of Spruce Street.
He has been charged with several crimes, including leaving the scene of an accident and aggravated assault.
Scarlet Delorme, who lives in the home, said, "There is just a car in the room, the windows gone." Delorme described waking up to a loud crash and thinking the building was collapsing.
After a previous crash nearby, Delorme and her boyfriend moved to another bedroom downstairs out of fear that a car would crash into their building.
"After that I am like we are not sleeping up here anymore because I was afraid people were going to crash into the building," said Delorme.
Residents react to speeding concerns
What they're saying:
People living on Walnut Street say speeding and drag racing are ongoing problems, especially at night. "People are drag racing down Walnut all the time especially in the middle of the night," said Delorme.
Patricia Brown, a neighbor, said she usually parks where the crash happened. "When I came out I was like wow…I said I park here all the time. (Chris) You would have been there. (Brown) Yes. If my nephew didn’t borrow the car," said Brown.
Just last month, a man and his dog were killed by a speeding driver two blocks away on the corner of 48th and Market Streets.
What we don't know:
Police have not yet identified the driver or released further details about the charges or the condition of the injured driver.
The Source: Information from Philadelphia police and on-scene interviews.