An impaired driver crashed into this office building at 669 Wellington St. E., in Sault Ste. Marie, on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. It's the third time a vehicle has struck the two-storey structure in its 20 years. Absorbing material can be seen in the building's parking lot. (BRIAN KELLY/QMI AGENCY).

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT. - A motorist smashed into a downtown office building after fleeing a RIDE check early Friday.

The driver of a pickup truck did not stop for police checking for impaired drivers at about 2 a.m., police said.

Travelling at high speed, he blew through stop signs and traffic lights before hitting the building.

The man fled, but was nabbed after a short foot pursuit. He had minor injuries, but damage to the vehicle was extensive.

Damage to the building, estimates owner Joe Fratesi, is about $10,000. A wing wall, a lower-level window and the front door need repair.

Three vehicles have hit the three-storey building in the past 20 years, Fratesi said.

"It's a good, solid building, thank goodness," he said.

A nearby property he used to own was also sometimes hit by motorists who didn't navigate a nearby curve.

"Normal drivers going normal speeds slowing down for the curve aren't going to hit the building," said Fratesi. "But obviously it's different when you're dealing with impaired drivers."

Running shoes believed to belong to the pickup driver were still at the scene following the crash.

Jordan Donofrio, 19, was charged with impaired driving, having a blood/alcohol level of more than 80 milligrams, dangerous driving, flight from police and breach of probation.

bkelly@saultstar.com