Unlicensed Teen Driver Arrested For Crashing Into Playground: VOMPD

MAMARONECK, NY — A 17-year-old was arrested in connection to an "unfortunate incident" at Harbor Island Park that left a popular recreation area closed and parents glad that the trouble happened when the playground was not crowded with children.

The unlicensed teenage driver was arrested in connection to the damage to the playground at Harbor Island and charged with driving while intoxicated, felony first degree reckless endangerment, second degree felony criminal mischief, as well as reckless driving and refusal to take a breath test.

The teen's name was not released by police.

"Late last night a car drove into the playground in Harbor Island Park," Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy said in a statement released early Sunday morning. "I don't have the details on how this occurred, the police are still investigating."

Murphy wrote that the playground sustained damage and would be closed until staff could assess the damage and make repairs. The playground remained closed for a portion of the holiday weekend, but was reopened and full of gleeful children again by Sunday afternoon.

The visible damage to the playground was limited to the split rail fence, a smashed bench and a destroyed picnic table.

Sunday morning, before the park had reopened, a handful of parents with kids hadn't gotten the word yet about the closing of the playground and were inspecting the damage from the other side of the temporary safety fencing and sign reading "Playground Temporarily Closed." Those who arrived with strollers, snacks and sunscreen expressed disappointment that a favorite weekend activity was off limits, but agreed they were more concerned about the potential that someone could have been seriously hurt.

SEE ALSO: Harbor Island Playground Reopens After Car Smashed Through Fence