13 On Your Side’s Vanessa Gongola Tells How Her Family Was Influenced

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Owner Jeff Draper of the Yuma home that was hit by a 28-year-old driver said there were children inside and he ran out of the way just before the accident happened.

Draper said the children had built a fort right next to the windshield minutes before the car hit them.

Luckily, they left for more pillows when a car slammed into their home on 20th and 8th Avenues just before 9 p.m. Tuesday night.

Fortunately, the 29-year-old driver and passenger, as well as seven other residents, were not injured.

Sergeant Yuma Police Department (YPD) Lori Franklin said officers were at the scene and saw the car drive away.

“I heard the tires screeching, so I looked in the rearview mirror and saw a car behind me. It was going at great speed and had a fishtail on the road,” Franklin said.

The cop made a U-turn, but it was too late.

“And there were a few other victims standing around. Alcohol didn’t seem to be a factor. They were just rushing into the situation,” Franklin continued.

About six hours later, just before 3 a.m. Wednesday, a 19-year-old woman speeding down 4th and 13th Avenues rear-ended her van, struck a utility pole, and drove straight into the EZ Shop Market.

No one was inside the building and the suspect was able to escape from the burning car.

The YPD announced that the woman was under the influence of alcohol.

Kat, an EZ Market customer who comes to the store, often said things could have been worse for the driver.

“At 19, she’s still pretty young, but a lot of people could have been hurt if she did that. It could have damaged the store. But hopefully she can get some help, right? It’s not just causing trouble,” Kat said.

Evan, owner of EZ Shop Market, said the brick building was fortunate enough to prevent the suspect from driving through the store, but that it allowed a large amount of smoke and water to enter, as well as damage to windows, cameras and cables.

Both drivers were arrested on felony charges.

They are no longer in custody but are scheduled to appear in court again on Friday afternoon.