The Boys & Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region sustained damaged Saturday after a driver ran into the building.
Covington Police said 18-year-old Chyleia Sanford of Brownsville, who had 17-year-old and 11-year-old passengers in her vehicle, was doing donuts in the parking lot at the club. She reportedly lost control of the vehicle while doing a donut close to the building, running the car through a brick wall and into one of the club’s rooms.
“We are fortunate that no one in the Club or Frazier Park area was injured in this high speed reckless stunt. The crash was at speeds that a passenger was injured, and the air bags were activated in the vehicle,” said police chief Donna Turner “I am thankful for the witnesses who assisted our officers at the scene to make sure and identify the driver and hold her responsible for the extensive damage to our Boys and Girls Club. CPD will continue to work collectively with the Boys and Girls Club staff and the City of Covington to make sure regular activities continue at the club.”
Police said video surveillance shows several children were in the parking lot, on the basketball court, and around the building when the incident happened. Sanford did not have a drivers license or insurance on the vehicle.
Initial estimates report damages to the building exceed $15,000.
Boys & Girls Club director Felisha Mason said the club will be open on Monday, but will not be using the damaged room.
The 17-year-old passenger was injured in the crash. They were taken Baptist Tipton.
Sanford was arrested and charged with two counts of reckless driving, no drivers license, failure to provide financial responsibility, two counts of reckless endangerment, and vandalism over $10,000. She was freed on a $5,000 bond and will make her first appearance in Tipton County General Sessions Court later this month.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
