Drunk driver crashes into Alpha Xi Delta sorority house

Emma Collins

A drunk driver crashed into the Alpha Xi Delta sorority house shortly after midnight last night, leaving a large hole where the front door once stood.

Evansville, Indiana, sophomore Austin Fleck said he was standing on the porch of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity house when he saw someone turn left on Cabell Drive and lose control of the vehicle. Fleck said he saw the vehicle drive over a curb and through some bushes before pushing a white car into the front door of the sorority house.

Fleck said the man tried to drive away after hitting the house, but he was stopped by a pizza delivery driver who pulled in behind him.

Fleck said he ran over to the house to see if the residents were okay. He said some girls were crying but no one, including the driver, appeared to be hurt. Fleck said the driver was arrested and quickly taken away from the scene.

“I didn’t really know how to respond except to run over there and see if everyone was okay,” Fleck said.

WKU Police Department Public Information Officer Tim Gray said Russell Kerr was arrested at the scene of the accident. He said Kerr was later charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

According to the Warren County Regional Jail, Kerr’s bond is set at $2,500 and a court date is set on Nov. 8. 

St. Louis sophomore and Alpha Xi Delta sorority member Darby Poole said her car was damaged in the accident. Poole said the drunk driver hit her car, pushing it through the front door and into the house. Poole said as a result, her car was totaled.

Poole said she did not witness the incident, but she arrived at the scene when friends contacted her about her car.

Poole said none of the women who live in the house were injured.

“We’re just really glad no one was using the front door,” Poole said.

Poole added that construction on the Alpha Xi Delta house was completed this July.

The Herald will update this story as more information is known.

Reporter Emma Collins can be reached at 270-745-6011 or [email protected].