Ukiah Woman Crashes Car Into School Gym: Police

UKIAH, CA — A Ukiah woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence this weekend after her car crashed into a school, police said.

On Saturday morning, just before 8:30 a.m., Ukiah officers were sent to a report of a collision involving a car into a school gymnasium. Officers arrived and saw a white Mini Cooper resting against the corner of the school's cafeteria building.

A woman, Alexa Harz, 47, was standing next to the open door of the vehicle, police said Tuesday. Officers allege they saw "numerous" cans of beer on the passenger floorboard of the car and that Harz appeared intoxicated. She was not injured in the crash, and no students or staff were at the school at the time.

Investigators examined security footage and alleged that Harz had been travelling west on Gobbi Street at about 40 mph when she ignored a stop sign at the South Dora Street intersection and careened into the school.

According to police, the school sustained significant damage to an exterior wall. Ukiah Unified School District representatives were called to the scene to assess the damage and figure out how to proceed over the upcoming weeks.

Harz's vehicle also allegedly struck a wire supporting a City of Ukiah electric utility pole, dislodging the wire from the ground. The City of Ukiah Electric Department and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority arrived at the scene to ensure the safety of those in the area, according to police.

Harz was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of driving under the influence.

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