EDITOR’S UPDATE:

A DUI driver crashed into Flo Ware Park early September 16, apparently damaging the iconic public art entryway.

Initial reports from SPD and witnesses described the chase, which began at 24th and Jackson and ended four blocks later at the park with a loud crash. The park has tire tracks in the grassy areas leading all the way from Jackson to the basketball court on the far side of the park.

One of the posts of the entryway, which was created in 2003 by Coyote Central’s Hit the Streets project. The post does not appear to be beyond repair.

Original story (by Dorkey1):

Does anyone know what happened at Flo Ware Park last night around 1:30am?  We heard a big crash and several police sirens.  I saw the park was all torn up with tire tracks and pieces from headlights etc., this morning when I caught the bus.

Can’t find any info online about it this morning.

EDITOR’S UPDATE: Commenter Andrea posted the following in the comments. We are working to get an official statement from the police.

Police were chasing a black sedan up Jackson and the car ended up crashing in Flo Ware. It happened very quickly and the police carted of the suspect(s) without any incidence. There were no injuries becuase the fire department left the scene within a couple of minutes..never saw an aid car. The tow truck finally left with the car at about 3:00 am. Very anticlimactic for all the action going on those first couple of minutes!

UPDATE x2: SPD says the driver was under the influence:

On 9/16/11, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Gang Unit Detectives attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation near 24th Av S and S. Jackson St. The vehicle refused to stop as officers followed with lights and sirens activated. The suspect’s vehicle managed to shear two light poles from its base in the 2400 block of S. Jackson and finally came to rest in the middle of “Flo Ware” park. (28 S. /S. Jackson St.). 

The suspect refused medical treatment at the scene from Seattle Fire Department Medics.  The 20-year-old suspect was transported to the East Precinct for DUI processing and eventually transported home, pending further investigation.    This incident was not gang related.