The driver who crashed into the Bay Inn and Suites Motel in Midway Sunday evening has been identified, with a prior DUI conviction on his record.
Christopher Paul Cater, age 25, was taken into police custody on a suspected DUI charge and for driving on a suspended drivers license, according to San Diego Police.
Police say this would not be Cater's first DUI conviction. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail just after 4 a.m. Monday and held on a bail amount of $15,000.
His arraignment is scheduled in April.
The owner of the motels, Luis Parra, told NBC 7 that he has called his insurance and hopes to get the place up and running again as soon as possible. Parra said that six rooms were evacuated due to the damage.
Guests were evacuated from the Bay Inn and Suites Motel in Midway after a driver crashed into the side of the building, said police.
Carter was leaving a nearby strip club when he slammed into an SUV in the parking lot before hitting the back of the motel's parking garage.
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Speed was a factor in the crash, police said. The driver took out a support beam when he crashed, compromising the structural integrity of the building. He fled but officers arrested him soon after.
The motel is located at Midway Drive and Wing Street. The crash happened around 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
