Drowsy driver crashes into apartment building

An apparently fatigued Front Royal man lost control of his vehicle Tuesday morning and crashed it into a Virginia Avenue apartment building, Front Royal Police say.

Officers responded to an 8:15 a.m. call at 520 Virginia Avenue and found a 2011 Toyota Prius inside a first-floor apartment building, according to a press release from Chief Kahle Magalis.  

The driver, Stanley Etienne, 29, of Front Royal, told police that after working all night he dropped his girlfriend off at work and was driving back to his Virginia Avenue home when the accident occurred.

The release indicated that speed and fatigue were contributing factors in the accident.  The Warren County Building Inspections Office and the Warren County Fire Marshal were notified and responded to the scene. 

While several families were displaced from the 3-story apartment building, due to significant damage, no one was injured in the incident.

Etienne was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital with minor injuries to his head and face.  Etienne was charged with failure to maintain control of his vehicle and failing wearing a seatbelt.  

Master Police Officer Kevin Orndorff is investigating the accident.  Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact him at (540) 635-2111 or korndorff@frontroyalva.com.