Stolen car crashes, causes extensive damage to house

COLUMBIA— A car stolen from outside Papa John's Pizza at 1205 E. Broadway early Thursday morning crashed into a house around 2:40 a.m..

The police report from the accident doesn't indicate if there was anyone in the house at 606 Lyons St. at the time.

The roof and front porch were damaged, and initial reports estimate the damage to the house to be worth more than $5,000, said Jessie Haden, public information officer for the Columbia Police Department.

There was also "extensive damage" to the car, Haden said. The car, a blue 1994 Honda Accord, was not drivable after the accident and had to be towed from the scene.

A witness at the scene who didn't see the accident firsthand told police that the perpetrator left the scene after hitting the house, Haden said.

Police don't know if the perpetrator knew the Papa John's employee, but Haden said there is no reason to think there is more to the story right now.

Police are still looking for a suspect and ask anyone with information to contact the department or CrimeStoppers at 875-TIPS.