Couple May Have To Move Out After Suspected DUI Driver Plows Into Catoosa Home

A teen suspected of drunk driving slammed his car into a home on New Year's Day. While the homeowners are thankful no one was killed, they're starting off the new year with a lot of worry.

They're worried about whether their Catoosa home of more than half a century can be saved.

"It just woke us up in a dead sleep," said homeowner Wanda Hopkins.

Ray and Wanda Hopkins' new year got started with a bang.

It's not the kind of bang you'd ever want.

"I thought it was an earthquake. I really did," Wanda said.

But, it wasn't an earthquake that caused all the damage. It was a teenage driver, suspected of driving drunk that slammed into their home at about 2:30 in the morning New Years' Day.

The SUV hit the home at an estimated 100 miles per hour, collapsing bricks, cracking walls all over the house, and leaving things in shambles.

"It just sounded like an explosion," Ray said.

The impact damaged family heirlooms like the picture of Ray's brother killed in World War Two. His purple heart was found under the house.

Because of extensive structural damage, the family is afraid their home can't be saved.

"Giving up my home that I've spent 52 years," Wanda said. "I just don't know. We're in limbo really."

A home Ray and his brothers built. A home where the couple raised three daughters.

"I'd hate to leave it yeah. I've got too much stuff here. Too many memories," Ray said.

A half century of memories. Times of laughter and years of love now jeopardized.

"It's hard. It's really hard," Wanda said.

Structural engineers will look at the Hopkins' home Friday to evaluate the damage and see what it will take to make repairs.