By CESAR JOLITO III

An argument between a former couple inside a sports utility vehicle (SUV) resulted in a crash in front of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City early yesterday morning.

Police Major Elmer Bonilla, chief of the Bacolod Traffic Management Unit, said the SUV, driven by 30-year-old alias “Adrian,” was heading towards a shopping mall when he allegedly had a heated altercation with his ex-girlfriend, 30-year-old alias “Hanna.”

The man was about to take his passenger to her home when the incident occurred.

However, a dispute allegedly escalated to the point where Hanna grabbed the steering wheel.

“The vehicle suddenly accelerated and swerved off course, crashing into the gutter and hitting the railings [outside the cathedral] that divide the footpath from the main road,” Bonilla said.

The impact damaged portions of the cathedral’s perimeter railings, considered part of its vintage structure.

No pedestrians were hurt following the incident.

The SUV sustained damage.

Hanna sustained injuries and was rushed to Riverside Medical Hospital, while Adrian is now under police custody at Station 1 pending the filing of charges, Bonilla said.

The Bacolod City government has been informed for settlement regarding the repairs.

Police are set to determine whether charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and physical injuries will be filed./CJ, WDJ