A car crash in Ashmont Hill has caused major disruptions to a longtime early childhood education center for kids 2-5 years-old on Washington Street. The driver, a 53-year-old Dorchester man, was arrested at the scene last night and faces numerous charges, including illegal gun and drug possession, according to Boston Police.

The car careened into the Ashmont Nursery School at the corner of Washington Street and Ashmont Street around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, causing significant damage to the building and leaving the school closed.

At least one person was inside the building when the car crashed into it, but was not injured, according to sources familiar with the incident.

Boston Police who responded to the scene "observed significant damage to both the building and the vehicle," according to a BPD account.

"A dislodged water pipe was spraying water throughout the interior of the building. As they approached the vehicle, they saw the driver, later identified as Ronnie Qualls, still inside and immediately requested EMS via radio. Officers also located witnesses and victims who had been inside the building at the time of the crash. Fortunately, none of them sustained injuries."

Police say that based on his odd behavior, they suspected Qualls "might be armed and initiated an investigation" and found :a.45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with six rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber" in the vehicle's console.

The police report also says Qualls was found to be carrying "crack cocaine and cocaine" and "did not have a valid driver’s license."

A board member of the school said that the school's leaders and parents are looking for a temporary location to house the school and to resume classes for the kids. It is not yet clear just how long the building might be closed for repairs.

One board member asked if anyone has unused space that might house the school temporarily to email president@ashmontnurseryschool.com.