DUI Driver Crashes into Greenfield Middle School Shed, Flees the Scene Before Being Captured”
GREENFIELD, Indiana — The Greenfield community is in shock following a dangerous incident late last night, where a DUI driver crashed into a maintenance shed at a local middle school after losing control of his vehicle. The event unfolded just after 11:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025, when 34-year-old Celestino Santiago, of Greenfield, was involved in a reckless driving incident near the intersection of 12th Street and Elm Avenue.
The Incident
According to the Greenfield Police Department, Santiago was driving southbound on the 50 block of 12th Street when he approached the T-intersection at Elm Avenue. Instead of making the expected turn, he continued straight through the intersection. The vehicle drove across the front lawn of Greenfield Middle School, crashing through a fence and plowing into the maintenance shed on the school’s property.
The crash caused significant damage to both the shed and Santiago’s vehicle. Remarkably, none of the school buildings were impacted, and no one was injured. However, the damage to the shed was substantial, and the scene could have been far worse if the car had veered off course or struck any other nearby structures.
The Driver Fleeing the Scene
After the crash, Santiago exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Witnesses report that the driver ran away from the accident site, leaving the damaged car behind. Fortunately, a vigilant community member, who had witnessed the accident and the driver’s escape, immediately called the Greenfield Police, providing critical information about Santiago’s location.
Police Response and Arrest
Greenfield Police quickly responded to the scene and, after a brief search, located Santiago not far from the school campus. He was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital, where he was medically cleared before being booked into jail.
DUI and Legal Consequences
Upon further investigation, it was determined that Santiago had been driving under the influence of alcohol. A blood alcohol test revealed that his BAC (blood alcohol content) was more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%. He now faces multiple charges, including DUI, hit and run, and property damage. His reckless actions have raised serious concerns about public safety, and local law enforcement officials are urging residents to remain vigilant.
Community Reaction and Safety Message
The Greenfield community has rallied around the school and local law enforcement, offering support during this unsettling event. School administrators were promptly informed of the incident, and staff members have been working tirelessly to assist with the cleanup and ensure that the school can resume normal operations on Monday without further disruption.
School officials also took the opportunity to remind parents, students, and the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. “If you see something, say something,” a statement from the Greenfield Police Department read. “We need everyone’s help in keeping Greenfield safe.”
Moving Forward
Thanks to the quick thinking of the community member who reported the incident and the swift response by local authorities, this potentially dangerous situation was defused with minimal damage and no injuries. However, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel.
As Greenfield Middle School staff prepare to get the campus back to normal for the upcoming week, the community remains focused on safety and supporting the efforts of law enforcement to maintain peace and order.