GREENFIELD — A vehicle crash at Vista Verde Middle School late Saturday night resulted in significant damage to a maintenance shed located on the school grounds.
The incident occurred just after 11 p.m. when a vehicle traveling south on the 50 block of 12th Street approached the T-intersection with Elm Avenue. Instead of turning, the driver continued straight through the intersection, crossed the front lawn, crashed through a fence, and ultimately collided with a maintenance shed.
Fortunately, no school buildings were hit or damaged.
The driver, identified as 34-year-old Celestino Santiago of Greenfield, exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Authorities were alerted by a community member who witnessed the incident, which led to Santiago being located and taken into custody by the Greenfield Police Department.
According to police reports, Santiago was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol concentration more than three times the legal limit. After being medically evaluated at a local hospital, he was transported to jail.
School administrators were notified of the incident, and staff members worked to assist with cleanup efforts to ensure that classes resumed as scheduled on Monday.
