Driver arrested for DUI after crashing through Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — A driver is in custody after police say he crashed through Centennial Park Sunday evening, narrowly missing people gathered for a weekly drum circle.

WINK News received a tip from a viewer who reported seeing a vehicle jump the curb and nearly strike people before hitting trees, a pole, and a fire hydrant.

Witnesses say the crash happened during a regular Sunday gathering at the park, where a community drum circle meets each week.

“We’re sitting here at the drum circle, and a guy comes over the curb and blows out his tire,” said Jonah Ortiz, who witnessed the incident. “At first, we thought he was having a stroke… then I thought he was trying to kill people.”

Ortiz said the driver continued through the park, revving the engine and driving across the grass as people ran out of the way.

“Whole crowd of people go running… he almost hit someone in our group,” Ortiz said.

Video shared with WINK News shows the driver spinning his tires in the grass before eventually leaving the park and crashing the truck into a tree. Another video shows the moments police took him into custody.

By the time officers arrived, the damage was left behind—bent trees, tire tracks carved through the grass, and a broken fire hydrant.

The Fort Myers Police Department confirmed the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Officers transported him to a hospital for medical clearance before booking.

Despite the chaos, the drum circle continued.

“We started playing again as soon as the cops showed up,” Ortiz said. “It’s a community thing…it's relaxing.”

No injuries were reported.

Police are still working to gather more details about what led up to the crash.