Driver, 71, charged after slamming minivan into Philadelphia police headquarters

A driver was taken into police custody early Tuesday morning after crashing a minivan into Philadelphia police headquarters.

Investigators say 71-year-old Wilfredo Santiago was behind the wheel of a 2008 Honda Odyssey that crashed into the front of the Philadelphia Police Department headquarters on the 400 block of North Broad Street. 

Santiago was quickly taken into custody and was later charged with a number of crimes, including criminal mischief, institutional vandalism, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person. 

He was taken to Jefferson Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said a mental health evaluation of Santiago will be ordered by the court. 

Philadelphia Police Sgt. Eric Gripp later told FOX 29 that investigators do not have reason to believe the crash was intentional. He added that the investigation was ongoing and intent, and possible medical emergencies would be investigated as potential causes. 

No other injuries were reported as a result of the crash. 

The city recently spent three years on the $252 million project to renovate the Philadelphia Public Services Building – the former home of the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Crime & Public SafetyPhiladelphia