PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 71-year-old driver crashed a van into the doors of the Philadelphia Police Department headquarters building on Broad Street early Tuesday morning.
The Honda Odyssey smashed into the front doors just before 5 a.m.
Officials say Wilfredo Santiago, the driver, was going south on Broad Street and veered off the road just before Callowhill Street. The van hopped the curb onto the sidewalk, then rammed into the middle doors of the building.
Santiago's arrest was caught on camera by other reporters who happened to be there. Video shows officers taking him out of the van and onto the ground. He was cuffed and taken into the building.
He was also speaking incoherently.
KYW Newsradio’s broadcast partner NBC10 had cameras rolling when police escorted Santiago out of the building. He was taken to Jefferson Hospital where he was treated and released.
Authorities say he was charged with criminal mischief, institutional vandalism, causing and risking a catastrophe and other charges.
There’s no word yet from police if drugs or alcohol played a role and whether or not this was intentional.
There are no reported injuries to any officers or staff.
Licenses and Inspections officials are investigating damage to the building, which has only served as the police department’s headquarters for the last few years. It was previously the offices of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Editor's note, Feb. 21, 2024
In January 2024, charges against Santiago were withdrawn by prosecutors. The District Attorney's Office withdrew charges because the now 72-year-old was diagnosed with dementia and deemed "incompetent" by the court. Officials said he was released to his daughter with a home care plan.