FARGO — First responders were called to the scene of a crash in south Fargo around 9:00 pm on Friday, October 25th.

An SUV drove into Hope Lutheran Church at 3636 25th St. S.

The vehicle appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, left the roadway and crashed into the church, said Fargo Police Sgt. Chris Mathson said in a press release late Friday night.

The driver, Aaron Hipolito-Marquez, 32, of Bismarck, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries, Mathson said.

Hipolito-Marquez was cited for driving under the influence and reckless driving, Mathson said.

A WDAY news crew at the scene saw extensive damage to both the SUV and the church.

Firefighters were working to clear the debris from the building just after 10 p.m., pushing the debris through the window and over the vehicle.

Firefighters also worked to provide stability to the building, Mathson said.

Melissa Van Der Stad / The Forum

Other firefighters and police were called to the crash, along with a North Dakota Regional Technical Response truck.

This is a developing story. We’ll update it when we know more.

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