VERNON, CT (WFSB) -
Police in Vernon are searching for a man they said crashed into a home on West Street and then fled.
Police identified the suspect as Johnen Velez, 19, previously of Hartford.
Officials said the suspect was driving a 2004 Maxima at a high speed on West Street around 1 a.m. Monday, when he lost control and crashed into the Strong Family Farmhouse.
Officials said no one was inside the farmhouse, which was built in 1878, at the time of the crash. The family is in the process of turning part of the farm into a non-profit educational program.
"It's just awful," said Carol Nelson, who is the homeowner's daughter. "I'm just so relieved that my mom and sister weren't in the house when that happened."
Nelson added that the damage could have been much worse. The car crash happened just one foot away from the gas main of the house.
"Well you just pick yourself up and go on," she said. "You have to meet all those challenges. It'll get it repaired. And we'll just move forward."
Nearby emergency crews heard the crash happen and arrived on the scene almost immediately, officials said.
When police arrived at the scene, the driver and a passenger inside the car had already fled on foot from the scene.
Police were able to find the passenger a short time later as she was walking down the street. Officials identified her as 21-year-old Ana Garcia.
Garcia was taken to Rockville Hospital, due to minor injuries suffered in the crash.
Garcia is now facing several charges including interfering with police, and possession of marijuana.
Authorities are still searching for Velez and are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Vernon police.
Velez has a criminal history and is on probation for pleading guilty to risk of injury to minor earlier this year. He is also waiting for a hearing on two more charges from just three weeks ago.
Building inspectors are expected examine the damage to the home at some point Monday or Tuesday.
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