Driver arrested for DUI after SUV plows into Fresno County home

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno County family was forced to stay somewhere else Sunday after authorities say a drunk driver smashed into their house, destroying the entire front half. The crash happened around 4:30 p.m. near Cherry and Central avenues.

A car smashed so far into the house even the tow truck driver had a hard time getting it out. Just moments after the suspected drunk driver pummeled into the Fresno County home, two people ran out untouched -- a miracle if you see the destruction inside.

Neirove Hermoso Llamaso lives next door and heard the loud crash. She said the victim was furious with the drunk driver who was trying to get away. "The guy was trying to turn on the car again and again. He was literally trying to turn on the vehicle again," she said.

California Highway Patrol officers quickly arrested the suspect, who was vaguely aware of the accident he caused. "I don't really think he knew what he was doing. I think he was so intoxicated that he probably didn't have any idea what was happening," said Sgt. Edward Jacobs.

Inside, the aftermath of the wreckage left the house nearly unrecognizable to the renters. They didn't want to go on camera but told Action News they were watching TV in their bedroom. Had they taken a bathroom break or grabbed a snack from the kitchen, they likely would've been hit.

"What if I would've moved in? It could've been me. What if my kids would've been on the living room playing at that moment?" said Llamaso.

The suspect was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail on DUI charges. The renters say they're waiting for the homeowner to decide what to do next with the house.