Vehicle crashes into Fayetteville apartment building

Several apartments were evacuated early Monday after a vehicle crashed into a building Cambridge Apartments in Fayetteville, authorities said.

Posted 11:52 a.m. Apr 29, 2013 — Updated 3:41 p.m. Apr 29, 2013

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Several apartments were evacuated early Monday after a vehicle crashed into a building at Cambridge Arms Apartments in Fayetteville, authorities said.

The crash happened about 7 a.m. at the complex on Barcelona Drive. Fayetteville police said it appeared the driver was trying to park when the accident occurred. Traffic in the area was unaffected.

An unknown number of residents were forced to leave eight units in Building 16 at the complex while authorities used a tow truck to remove the vehicle. Power to the building was shut off, and crews stabilized the structure with shoring materials.

Police said the apartment manager will need a structural engineer to work with the city to evaluate the damage and make any needed repairs before residents can return.

The Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents.

Cambridge Arms is the subject of a nuisance lawsuit filed by the city against Southwood Realty, which owns the apartments. Officials contend the complex is crime-ridden and want the owners to clean it up.

In the last five years, at least three homicides have been reported at Cambridge Arms, as have countless burglaries, armed robberies, assaults, domestic disputes, drug deals and reports of gunfire. Police responded to 278 calls from the complex last year and 22 so far this year, according to the lawsuit.

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