On Sunday morning, a suspected drunken driver crashed into the historic Orange Plaza Park fountain in Old Towne Orange. The driver, who was traveling eastbound, failed to navigate the roundabout and drove straight into the park, damaging a metal chain barrier, a bench, and the iconic fountain, according to Lt. Phil McMullin of the Orange Police Department. Fortunately, this incident only left scratches on the fountain tiles, unlike previous collisions that caused significant damage.
The driver survived the crash and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to a spokesperson for the Orange Police Department, the suspect was on DUI probation and had prior convictions. This crash is the latest in a series of incidents at the historic site, with police records indicating four collisions at the fountain over the past two years. In March 2023, a carjacking suspect crashed into the fountain, and later that year, an SUV struck a nearby tree.
Residents have expressed frustration over the recurring damage to the cherished public space. Kurtis Adams, a local resident, said, “I just don’t know why people can’t figure it out and stop driving through it! It blows my mind.” Some community members have suggested converting the plaza into a pedestrian-only space to prevent further accidents.
The site had undergone repairs and safety enhancements, reopening in April 2024, but continues to face challenges from reckless driving. As reported by Yahoo News, Orange police respond to numerous accidents throughout the town, both DUI-related and otherwise.
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