Car Crashes into Home in McMinnville
Not slowing at all, the vehicle continued through the interior of the home
(McMinnville, Ore.) — Last night at 11:51 pm, YCOM received 911 calls regarding a single motor vehicle crash into a house in the 1200 block of SW Darci Drive in McMinnville.
Officers arrived on scene and medics from the McMinnville Fire Department arrived on scene and rendered aid to the lone occupant of the involved motor vehicle, later identified as Mario Gomez-Martinez (28) of McMinnville. Gomez-Martinez was initially transported to the Willamette Valley Medical Center by ambulance and later transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.
Initial investigation shows that Gomez-Martinez was operating a 1998 Buick Century south on SW Hill Road at an extreme rate of speed, in excess of the posted 35 mph speed limit. The vehicle failed to negotiate the first 90 degree curve to the right, just south of SW Phyllis Drive, leaving the roadway with no indication of braking.
The vehicle crashed through brush and small trees on the south shoulder of the roadway and continued through a 6 foot wood fence that borders the property. The vehicle continued across the back yard, travelling through the northern exterior wall of the residence. Not slowing at all, the vehicle continued through the interior of the home, destroying an interior wall, the entire kitchen, including cabinets, refrigerator, etc. The vehicle continued through the home, crashing completely through the southern exterior wall and exiting the home. It still had enough momentum to travel across the front yard, moving large rock and landscape stones across the yard.
The vehicle finally came to rest in the middle of SW Darci Drive. Total distance travelled by the vehicle from the point that it left SW Hill Road, until it came to a stop on SW Darci Drive, was measured at approximately 205 feet. The residents of 1277 SW Darci Drive, were not at home at the time of the crash. The American Red Cross was notified and had been in contact with the resident to offer housing assistance.
The investigation further revealed that the Gomez-Martinez had consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana just prior to the crash. While receiving treatment at the WVMC, Gomez-Martinez submitted both blood and urine samples under the motorist implied consent law. Charges of DUII and Reckless Driving are pending his release from the hospital.
The Red Cross Cascades Region provided resources to help address the immediate basic needs of those affected such as temporary housing, food, clothing, comfort kits with toiletry items, information about recovery services, and health and mental health services.
Source: McMinnville Police Dept
