PHOTOS: DWI suspect crashes pickup into flagpole, lights at Arkansas police station, authorities say

The Hot Springs Police Department posted this photo on Twitter on Friday.
The Hot Springs Police Department posted this photo on Twitter on Friday.

A man suspected of driving while intoxicated was arrested after crashing his pickup at police headquarters in Hot Springs, authorities said.

The Hot Springs Police Department said on Twitter that an "intoxicated driver" drove into the station parking lot and then crashed into the agency's flagpole and lights.

The tweet called it an "interesting day" at the department.

"We can’t make this stuff up," the agency added.

Hot Springs Police Department spokesman Cpl. Joey Williams identified the driver as 57-year-old Craig Smith of Hot Springs. Williams said a preliminary intoxication test showed Smith had a blood-alcohol level of 0.30 percent, which is more than three times the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle.

Williams said he's never seen a drunk driver crash into department property in his 18 years of policing.

"Thank God he didn't hit anybody," Williams said. "Better the flagpole and light than if he hit an innocent person driving around like that."

Damage to the lighting system was estimated at $1,500, Williams said, and the flagpole would cost about $3,500 if it needs to be replaced.

Williams said Smith faces charges of DWI, careless driving, driving on a suspended license, driving without proof of insurance and failure to wear a seat belt.

Police say a DWI suspect crashed his car into a flagpole and lights at the Hot Springs police station.
Police say a DWI suspect crashed his car into a flagpole and lights at the Hot Springs police station.

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