Darragh Doiron
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR —
Police station lobby closed after man purposely drives in
Sgt. Steve Davis was conducting a night shift change meeting at the downtown Port Arthur Police Department station when everyone heard the crash in the lobby.
An ambulance was summoned for the man who drove a 1988 Crown Victoria through the glass entry and into the building.
“At the hospital is when he told us he was hoping to harm himself and he drove through there intentionally,” Davis said. “He was transported to the Jefferson County Jail and booked on felony criminal mischief.”
At about 9:26 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, a 53-year-old man drove into the lobby at 645 Fourth St. in downtown Port Arthur. The man was transported to St. Mary Hospital before booking.
Davis said the department contacted city services to get the lobby boarded up. The damage extended to the front desk area.
“If someone was in the lobby, it could have been ‘not good.’ We were lucky it was that time of the night on a Sunday evening,” Davis said.
The original police release indicated damages were extensive, but that the lobby would reopen Monday morning. Davis said materials are on order so there is no current estimate on when the lobby will be in service again for patrons making complaints or paying traffic tickets.
“I suggest that if people have an issue with city court to call 983-8686,” Davis said.
Davis said the department will keep the public notified regarding repairs.
ddoiron@panews.com
