SUV rams Sylvania Township home

10/23/2008

A Sylvania Township family had a rude awakening yesterday when a sport utility vehicle crashed into their house on Van Fleet Parkway, authorities said.

The family of Mike Kirby was not hurt when the SUV struck the house at 3361 Van Fleet, police said.

The driver, Christopher J. VanMetre, 25, of 3218 Elmont Rd., was treated at Flower Hospital, a hospital spokesman said.

Mr. VanMetre's blood-alcohol level was tested after he refused field sobriety tests. The results of the blood test won't be available for weeks, police said.

Mr. VanMetre was westbound on Bonsels Parkway about 3 a.m. when he swerved to avoid striking an animal on the road at Van Fleet, he told police.

He drove over the median, across the eastbound lane of Bonsels, and into the side of the house at 25 mph, police said.

Half the vehicle was inside the home when he fled on foot, police said.

Mr. VanMetre was cited for failure to control his vehicle, police said.