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Residents Without Water After Driver Hits Home

Lindsey Guerrero was sleeping early Friday morning when police say a car drove through her yard and hit her house, leaving a trail of damage.

"We were sleeping fine. The cops were the ones that woke us up," Guerrero said.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, John Attia drove off the road in the 2300 block of West University Avenue. He drove through the front yard of a home, hitting a parked car and spinning it.

The car then drove through a wooden post and a metal bench on the adjacent property, where Guerrero lives. The car went through the yard and hit the house. It then slid along the house's wall before hitting a wooden deck.

"He hit our front porch. Our porch is shifted completely to the side. He hit a water line, so we had to shut off all the water in our house. We don't have any water in our house," said Guerrero. "That's pretty much it. The deck has the most damage."

A few neighbors found Attia passed out in the driver's seat and woke him. According to GPD, Attia then tried to drive off before the police arrived, but could not since the car was stuck. Police then arrived and arrested Attia.

"This university is always really packed and crazy and you always have a bunch of crazy college kids coming back and forth," Guerrero said. "So, doesn't really affect me too much living here. Just another day, another Friday night with drunk kids."

Attia is facing charges of driving under the influence, damage to property, possession of marijuana, and driving without a valid license. He was released on his own recognizance on Saturday.

Stephanie is a reporter for WUFT News who may be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org