Insurance to Cover Illinois Courthouse Damaged by SUV

April 15, 2009

Taxpayers in Franklin County, Illinois, won’t have to pay to repair the county’s courthouse, which was hit by a sport utility vehicle. The SUV’s driver has been accused of driving under the influence.

Franklin County Board member David Rea says an insurance adjuster for accused driver Brandon Mandrell says the damage amounting to less than $15,000 will be covered by Mandrell’s policy.

Authorities say the 28-year-old driver was drunk April 7 when his SUV slammed into the courthouse in Benton. The force of the vehicle shot chunks of concrete, rock and mud through the circuit clerk’s window.

Mandrell was treated at a hospital. No bystanders were injured.

Mandrell is charged with driving under the influence, not wearing a seat belt, driving too fast for conditions and illegally transporting alcohol.

Information from: Benton Evening News, www.bentoneveningnews.com