DUI Driver Crashes Into Greenfield Middle School Maintenance Shed Late at Night, Causing Major Damage and Sparking Outrage Over Road Safety Concerns
GREENFIELD, Indiana — The tight-knit community of Greenfield is reeling after a dramatic late-night crash involving an alleged drunk driver struck the grounds of a local middle school, causing significant property damage and raising new concerns about road safety.
The incident occurred just after 11:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025, when police say 34-year-old Celestino Santiago, a Greenfield resident, lost control of his vehicle near the intersection of 12th Street and Elm Avenue. According to authorities, Santiago’s car careened off the roadway at high speed, barreled through a chain-link fence, and smashed directly into a maintenance shed located behind Greenfield Middle School.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes, finding the severely damaged vehicle lodged halfway into the structure. Fortunately, no one was inside the shed at the time, and the school itself was unoccupied, sparing the community from what could have been a far greater tragedy.
Santiago was taken into custody at the scene without further incident. Preliminary reports from the Greenfield Police Department indicate that he showed clear signs of intoxication, and subsequent testing confirmed that his blood alcohol content was well above Indiana’s legal limit.
“This was a dangerous situation that could have had catastrophic consequences,” said Police Chief Daniel Hines during a Saturday morning press conference. “We are extremely grateful that no students, staff, or community members were injured. However, this incident is a stark reminder of the real dangers of impaired driving.”
Damage assessments conducted early Saturday show that the maintenance shed suffered extensive structural harm, and several pieces of equipment inside — including lawnmowers and snow-removal tools — were destroyed or rendered unusable. School officials estimate the cost of repairs and equipment replacement could exceed $50,000.
“We’re incredibly thankful this happened when the school was empty,” said Superintendent Dr. Lisa Weatherby. “Still, it’s heartbreaking to see our school grounds damaged in this way. We are working closely with the police and our insurance providers to make sure repairs are completed as quickly as possible.”
Santiago now faces multiple charges, including operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI), reckless driving, and criminal mischief. He remains in custody at the Hancock County Jail pending a bail hearing scheduled for Monday.
In response to the incident, Greenfield Middle School has announced plans to enhance security measures around its property, including the installation of reinforced fencing and additional surveillance cameras. Meanwhile, city leaders are calling for renewed community education campaigns aimed at combating impaired driving.
“One bad decision can change lives forever,” Mayor Kathy Ellis said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “Greenfield stands together in condemning reckless behavior that endangers our children and our neighborhoods. We are committed to taking every step necessary to ensure the safety of our schools and streets.”
Classes at Greenfield Middle School will resume as scheduled Monday morning, though a portion of the rear campus will remain off-limits while cleanup and repairs are underway.
The Greenfield Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact their non-emergency line at (317) 477-4410.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.