Suspected Drunken Driver Crashes into Denny's in Perris

Photo courtesy of CalFire Riverside

By City News Service

A black BMW, driven by a suspected drunken driver, crashed into a Denny’s restaurant Sunday, injuring one person and damaging the building.

The crash happened at about 5:45 a.m. at the Denny’s at 570 E. Fourth Street, said sheriff’s Sgt. Sergio Rodriguez.

Sergio Lopez, 18, was behind driving east on Fourth Street when he lost control as he tried to turn north onto Redlands Boulevard. Lopez was subsequently arrested for suspicion of drunken driving resulting in injuries, Rodriguez said.

A customer who had been sitting in a booth suffered minor injuries when the car crashed into the building. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of a leg injury, according to Rodriguez.

Although the building was damaged in the crash, authorities determined it was still structurally sound and the restaurant remained open for business, Rodriguez added.

Police asked anyone with information about this crash to call the Perris Police Department at (951) 210-1000, or the 24-hour tipline at (951) 776- 1099. All tips can be made anonymously.