SALINAS — A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after crashing a vehicle into the tennis courts at Hartnell College and fleeing on foot, according to the Salinas Police Department.
Police said officers responded June 8 to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a vehicle had crashed into the college’s tennis courts. Officers arrived within minutes and were told by a witness that the driver had run through the campus after the collision.
Officers pursued the suspect and apprehended him a short distance away.
The driver was identified as 35-year-old Kyle Blankenship. During the investigation, police said Blankenship admitted to driving the vehicle and was found in possession of a methamphetamine pipe.
A Drug Recognition Evaluation determined Blankenship was under the influence of methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to police. Officers also discovered Blankenship had an outstanding misdemeanor burglary warrant.
No injuries were reported, and police said no one was using the tennis courts at the time of the crash.
Blankenship was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of DUI and other related charges.
Salinas Police Department emphasized the dangers of impaired driving in a statement following the incident.
“This incident serves as an important reminder that impaired driving continues to pose a serious threat to our community,” police said. “One poor decision can have life-changing consequences for you and those around you.”
