By Bryant Thigpen
Riverbend News
A Branford man was arrested late Monday night after driving while intoxicated, which resulted in his vehicle crashing into the Branford Health and Fitness Center, according to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, (SCSO). Suwannee County Fire Rescue (SCFR) was on hand to help recover the vehicle which landed approximately 25 feet inside the building.
According to SCFR, on Monday, Sept. 7, at approximately 11:18 p.m., Suwannee Fire Rescue Units received reports of a vehicle crash involving a pickup truck that had crashed into a building on Suwannee Ave., in Branford. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kyle Brandon Pettigrew, 28, of Branford.
Just moments after the incident, the Branford Health and Fitness Center shared with its members on Facebook: “Dear members, our gym was struck by a drunk driver in a pickup truck at a high rate of speed, at 11:10 p.m. this evening. Fortunately, no one was in the club at the time. The vehicle came to rest, 25 feet inside, destroying all of the cardio machines and several nautilus machines, as well as our center cable station. The driver is on his way to jail.”
Shannon Buzbee created a Facebook fundraiser on behalf of the gym owners with a goal of raising $50,000. According to Buzbee, “A drunk driver plowed through Branford Fitness destroying their building front and much of their equipment totaling $100,000 in damage.” Buzbee said only $10,000 will be covered by the driver’s insurance, leaving the owners with approximately $90,000 in damages.
“That’s a $90,000 loss along with loss of income while unable to open their doors and praying this amount will come down with a further look into what might be salvaged,” Buzbee said. The business did not have insurance to cover the equipment, only insurance for personal injuries. The owners will also be without income while they’re rebuilding. “Please let’s help in any way we can and thank you on behalf of the Procko family.”
The Branford Health and Fitness staff said they will be working with insurance companies to expedite the process in hopes to reopen soon. In the meantime, all memberships will be frozen and time will be credited until the gym can reopen. “Thank you all for your patience and understanding.”
According to SCFR, no injuries were reported. Pettigrew was arrested and transported to the Suwannee County Jail and is being charged with driving while under the influence (DUI) and damage to property.