Driver arrested for DUI after crash outside Gallatin Elementary

DOWNEY — A driver who crashed through a playground fence at Gallatin Elementary School was arrested on suspicion of DUI, a Downey Police Department (DPD) representative said.

According to DPD, officers responded to multiple reports of a traffic collision in the area of Gallatin and Manzanar Avenues at around 4:45 on Thursday, Jan. 25, where they found the driver, a 33-year-old resident of Commerce, suffering from moderate injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital.

Two other adult pedestrians were in close proximity to the collision, however no children were injured or involved.

The incident is currently under investigation.

The crash damaged the school’s kindergarten playground. Downey Unified School District also confirmed that no students or staff were hurt.

According to the District, the site was secured by its facilities department with temporary fencing, and they are “working quickly to repair the playground with a permanent fencing solution that will increase safety for all of our students and staff.”

An alternative space will be found in the meantime for students to still be able to enjoy their recess as usual.