READER REPORT: Suspected drunk driver crashes into Upper Morgan house

If you’ve traveled the SW Morgan hill east of Fauntleroy in the past few days, you might have noticed that plywood. Sabrina and Jenny sent the photos with word of what happened:

An unknown driver in an SUV crashed into (our) residence, 1:30 a.m. Thursday, SW corner of SW Morgan Street and 39th Avenue SW. It was late in the evening and the hill was wet with rain.

Police response was immediate. A patrol car was driving westbound on SW Morgan Street just after it happened and we did not have time to call 911. The driver fled but was apprehended, bleeding with a head wound, tended by fire fighters and taken away in a patrol car. Had our home not been reinforced with an above-ground concrete foundation on that corner, we would have awoken to the vehicle inside our building, built in 1915.

We sustained no interior damage but have been advised by the worker who temporarily weather-proofed the corner that our home has been structurally damaged. The corner beam is splintered and askew. We are awaiting assessment from our insurance company. We thank the officers and fire fighters on the scene and ask all drivers to consider their speed while driving. The accidents of late seem to be unreasonably violent for neighborhood streets with a 25 mph speed limit.

Sabrina and Jenny sent the photos and report over the weekend; we followed up with police today, and here’s the summary they provided: “When police arrived, there was no one in the car, but the driver returned to the scene. Investigators developed probable cause to arrest a 43-year-old man for DUI. He appeared to be hurt. Seattle fire crews responded to the scene to treat him and he was then taken to the hospital for further treatment. The man was the registered owner of the vehicle. It was towed from the scene.”

11 Replies to "READER REPORT: Suspected drunk driver crashes into Upper Morgan house"

  • Joan April 29, 2024 (11:11 pm)

    So sorry for this scary situation. Glad the driver was apprehended. I have admired that house and landscaping for years. How fortunate the house is standing. Yikes! Hope the repair goes smoothly.

  • Emily G. April 30, 2024 (8:22 am)

    Wow. Glad that your house stood up to the impact… and so did the idiot’s head!

  • Admiral-2009 April 30, 2024 (8:24 am)

    Drunk and DUI drivers need to be mandated to purchase $1,000,000 liability car insurance for at least 3 years after they are convicted of driving under the influence, way to many innocent people are seriously hurt or killed by these people and by forcing higher liability coverage they can be better compensated for the injuries they incurred.  Fortunately no innocent person got hurt this time.

  • whataboutthecreedence April 30, 2024 (8:52 am)

    Ouch, very glad no one was hurt. That will be an expensive repair since the corner framing is compromised and will need to be braced during repairs. Hopefully the driver has insurance so that your insurance can go after them.

  • Gill & Alex April 30, 2024 (9:43 am)

    We agree with Joan that we have admired over the years. Had no idea it was built in 1915. Hope the repairs won’t be too costly and the driver has insurance.  Note: The house is on the NE corner not the “SW corner of SW Morgan Street and 39th Avenue SW”.

    • jenny May 1, 2024 (8:43 am)

      so funny my skewed direction!!  Thank you for the correction!

  • Sunnyday April 30, 2024 (9:58 am)

    THANK YOU SPD for a quick response and great job ❤️

  • Gatewood neighbor April 30, 2024 (2:54 pm)

    I live in the neighborhood and have always wondered about this property. Is it a private residence and/or business? No signage.

    • Question Authority May 1, 2024 (7:47 am)

      FYI – It is a private residence that used to be a corner store many, many years ago.

    • Neighbor 2 U May 1, 2024 (8:31 am)

      Used to live nearby, and same. It very much looks like a commercial space. With no setback from a very busy road, this seems like it was bound to happen. Seems like stronger structural reinforcement should be required.

  • West Marge April 30, 2024 (3:17 pm)

    I’ve always admired your house and your amazing kiwi! I’m so glad everyone is ok

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