Woman Charged With Texting While Driving After Crash Into Whitman Home

WHITMAN (CBS) - Wayne Brundige of Whitman is counting his blessings, after a car careens into the side of his home Thursday night on High Street in Whitman.

"I never thought someone would come and hit the house. The car was up to the windshield into the house," Brundidge said.

The crash destroyed his basement side wall and his 12 year old daughter's bedroom was right above the crumbled mess.

"My daughter was sleeping and the car hit the house with such force the bureau got shook knocked off the wall. She was yelling and she didn't know what had happened," Brundidge said.

Police say the driver is 31-year-old Meredith Watlington of Whitman.

She told police she lost control because she was on her cell phone texting someone.

"She had been upset and was texting back and forth with somebody. Unfortunately there's a reason why you should not text and drive and it illustrates that," Whitman Police Chief Scott Benton said.

On Friday Wayne picks up pieces of the mangled car and clears out his basement which sustained significant structure damage.

"The plan is to have insurance company take care of it. It's very frustrating but I am just glad no one lost their life thank God for the small favors," Brundidge said.

Watlington's license has been suspended.

She also faces a number of charges including reckless operation of vehicle and texting while driving. She will soon be summons to court.

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• Paul Burton