Advertisement
Matthew Dickinson, 22, of 101 S. Ninth St., was the driver of the vehicle that went out of control about 2 a.m. while making a left turn, jumped the curb, drove through the fence and into the southeast corner of the porch of the building at 429 N. Seventh St.
The vehicle also knocked a street light off its base and bent a fire hydrant with a glancing hit, a La Crosse Street Department official said.
Police said Dickinson admitted he had been drinking and had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.25 percent, according to a preliminary breath test.
Dickinson also had a small amount of a drug in his vehicle that he said was opium, police said, although tests on the drug were inconclusive.
Dan Moen of the La Crosse County Historical Society said the wrought-iron fence was badly damaged and will have to be replaced. The damage to the home was not as extensive, with damage contained to the front porch, which was temporarily reinforced.
Historical society officials Monday were working with their insurance agent to get the damages repaired, but tours at the historic home continued.
Dickinson was not injured. He could be charged with operating while intoxicated and with a prohibited alcohol concentration, possession of opium and a seat belt violation when he appears in court.
Dan Springer can be reached at dspringer@lacrossetribune.com.
