Driver passes out, car crashes into church in Osage Beach

The driver of a car that crashed into a church after reportedly passing out behind the wheel faces charges of driving while intoxicated and careless and imprudent driving.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found the driver passed out with his foot still on the accelerator.
According to information provided by the Osage Beach Fire Protection District, the accident happened Monday at 9:35 p.m.
Police were responding to a suspicious vehicle spotted on College Boulevard near the Cornerstone Methodist Church.
Officers were originally responding to the area for a suspicious vehicle report when the 2000 Chevy Malibu crashed into the church and became wedged inside the building.
Because the driver was still accelerating, the vehicle’s tires were spinning, which caused the building to fill with smoke.
Witnesses told police the driver and passenger had passed out prior to the crash.
When officers approached the car, the passenger was passed out and it appeared the driver had been drinking.
Because the vehicle was stuck inside the building, the doors could not be opened. Worried a fire would start, officers broke a window to remove the occupants.
Both were transported to Lake Regional Hospital.
The driver and passenger were both transported to Lake Regional hospital.
Once the driver, a 37-year-old Osage Beach resident, was determined to be fit for confinement, he was transported to the Osage Beach jail where he was detained for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The driver is also facing charges of careless and imprudent driving and driving while intoxicated. 
charis.patires@lakesunonline.com