LAPORTE, IN : A 19-year old Michigan City man was allegedly drunk when he crashed into a house on May, Friday 5th 2017

A 19-year old Michigan City man was allegedly drunk when he crashed into a house hard enough to cause significant damage Friday morning outside LaPorte.

The single story residence at on U.S. 35 was left with a large gaping hole in one of the outside walls.

Fortunately, the 2004 Chevy Trailblazer did not penetrate the interior wall that Kim Zapala was next to watching television in a bedroom, which was also occupied by her two daughters, ages 10 & 8.

''Thank God, everybody was alive and well and it didn't come into us,'' said Zapala.

According to LaPorte County Police, the driver of the Trailblazer is being held pending the filing of formal charges.

Initial blood alcohol test results showed he was legally intoxicated, police said.

The investigation shows he was northbound about 6 a.m. when he veered left off the highway and into the southeast corner of the house about 100 feet off the pavement.

Kim Zapala's mother, Mary Zapala, said she and her husband woke up to the commotion.

''All of a sudden we hear a kaboom and the house shook. It shook everything,'' she said.

The house was also moved several inches off its foundation, which resulted in firefighters recommending the family move out until there is a thorough inspection of the dwelling.

Mary Zapala said she was waiting to hear back from the insurance company before deciding whether to seek temporary shelter.

''I don't know what we're going to do,'' she said.

According to police, the driver of the vehicle was transported with minor injuries to LaPorte Hospital.

He was attempting to leave the emergency room when following a struggle with deputies, was detained and then booked into the LaPorte County Jail after refusing medical treatment, police said.

Kim Zapala said a large mirror on her bedroom dresser shattered and the falling glass narrowly missed her daughters.

''Any different direction and it would have been throwing glass at my kids because the dresser is next to their bed,'' she said.

Source :
Car crash leaves gaping hole in LaPorte home