SLIDELL, La. — A Slidell antique store located on the corner of Front Street and Fremaux Avenue had a big mess to clean up over the weekend.
Slidell Police said early Sunday morning, a suspected drunk driver crashed into the business and then took off.
It didn't take long for police to find the suspect. He was nearby at a bar, police said.
The building's owner, Kevin Young, said he's still getting estimates for the 'extensive' damages, and he doesn't know how much it will cost.
“The guy hits the building; he flees and then they catch him at a bar. That’s a stupid criminal," Young said.
Slidell Police Lt. Craig Aucoin confirmed the driver had been drinking prior to the crash.
In a Facebook post by Slidell Police, the department said officers followed a trail of glass, transmission fluids and vehicle parts from the antique store to the nearby bar where they found the suspect and the vehicle.
“We understand it’s the holidays. We understand it’s a party community, but there’s any number of resources out there to not get behind the wheel. Ubers, taxis, whatever. If worse comes to worse, it has happened in the past, if you have no other option, call the police and we’ll see what we can do to make sure you get home safe," Aucoin said.
The driver was arrested for on a charge of DWI, reckless driving and hit and run, according to police.
Some of the antique furniture was destroyed in the crash.
Now, Young is working to make repairs as quickly as possible for his tenant, Third Generation Antiques.
“He’s a small business," Young said, “It’s hard enough to make it when everything goes right.”
Police said nobody was injured in this incident.
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