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Drunk Driver Crashes Car into North Carolina Courthouse

By Kamika Dunlap on November 17, 2009 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Herbert Bristol got a primo parking space.

Authorities charged him recently after he purposely drove his vehicle through the side door of a North Carolina courthouse building.

His car continued down a hallway of the Morganton courthouse and came to a stop near the tax assessor's office in the main lobby.

According to local news reports, Herbert Bristol drove his car through the building then calmly got out, cigarette in hand.

Officials say, Bristol parked got out and lit up a smoke before walking away.

Bristol has said he didn't even remember the event until someone told him they saw him on TV. Once he found out what happened he turned himself in. In an interview with the media Bristol said he struggles with alcohol and drug problems.

Courthouse surveillance video shows the driver cutting off the headlights and turning on the 4-way flashers of the car. It also shows the driver then getting out of the car uninjured and casually walking away. At one point, the driver seems to contemplate going in the main door.

Police say, nobody was injured in the incident on November 6, at 1 a.m. Court proceedings took place as usual the next day, because courtrooms are on the second floor of the building, officials said.

However an undetermined amount of damage was done to offices on the first floor.

Bristol is charged with damage to property, breaking and entering, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident.

Police said they believe the suspect has an upcoming court date on a drunk driving charge.

He was given a $25,000 bond and is being held in the Burke County jail.

Hopefully, Bristol will choose alternative transportation when he goes to court for his DUI hearing.

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