Two residents of the house were injured, one seriously, and a dog was killed.
A Philadelphia police officer was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after authorities claimed he drove into a house on Saturday night, injuring two people and killing a dog.
The policeman, identified by authorities as Gregory Campbell, 27, was off duty when the episode unfolded around 8:20 am, according to a statement from the Philadelphia Police Department.
Campbell was driving in a residential neighborhood in southern Philadelphia when he lost control of his 2014 Dodge Dart, flew and crashed into the front of the house, penetrating its facade, according to the statement.
A 53-year-old woman and her 45-year-old husband were hit by the vehicle while they were indoors. The woman was arrested under the car and had to be rescued by firefighters, police said.
The woman, whose name was not released, was unconscious when she was taken by ambulance to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia, police said. It was listed in critical condition on Sunday, according to authorities.
The woman’s husband was also being treated at a hospital for injuries to his arm, hand, hip and leg, as well as back injuries, officials said.
The couple’s two dogs were hit by the car and one of the animals was killed, police said.
“The consequences of choosing to drive while under the influence of drugs are enormous and often life-changing,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement. “A family should always feel safe in their home, but that individual’s actions have shaken that reality.”
Campbell suffered a laceration in his head in the accident, police said. He was also taken to Torresdale Hospital, where he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and aggravated assault, officials said.
“The fact that the offender in this case is a Philadelphia police officer is terrible,” said Outlaw. “Police officers must obey a higher standard – even when they are not on duty – and I guarantee the victims and the public that a full and thorough investigation will be carried out. My prayers remain with this family ”.