GCPD Media Release – Injury Accident

Garden City Police Department

On July 28, 2020, at approximately 8:30 PM, Officers of the Garden City Police
Department were dispatched to 305 W Mary Street in reference to an injury accident
involving a vehicle that had hit an apartment. Dispatch said there were people trapped in
the vehicle as well as inside of the apartment.

Officers arrived on scene and located a GMC Acadia inside of an apartment in the area.
The GMC Acadia was driven by Tembeya Bukima(58), of Garden City. Bukima was
trapped inside of the vehicle and had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Garden City
Fire Department. Fire personnel also assisted in removing the four occupants inside of the apartment, who had been struck by the vehicle. Adieunel Lubenoit(38), Heleine Dervis-
Lubenoit(30), Juvenile Girl(4), and Juvenile Boy(5) were all inside of the apartment when the vehicle struck the apartment.

Investigation revealed Bukima was allegedly practicing how to drive. Bukima was driving
through the complex and made a turn in front of an apartment. Bukima allegedly continued
turning and then accelerated, eventually striking two vehicles that were parked in the
parking lot of 305 W Mary Street. Bukima then continued driving forward and struck the
apartment.

Four ambulances were required to transport the driver and the four occupants of the
apartment to St. Catherine Hospital. All five subjects were treated and released from the
hospital with minor injuries.

The apartment was assessed for damage and it was determined the apartment was not safe to live in. The total loss to the apartment was estimated to be $10,000.00.