Driver flees scene after knocking over pole, causing power outage in NE Fresno
Power was knocked out Friday night in portions of a northeast Fresno neighborhood after a collision.
Fresno Police Lt. Mike Gebhart said the crash happened at 6:26 p.m. at East Shepherd and North Chance avenues after a man struck a pole.
The pole, located on eastbound Shepherd, came down, including wires.
No one was injured.
Gebhart said the driver appeared to strike the pole when he went off the roadway, onto the east-side curb line, and caused the pole to go down.
He added that there were downed power lines on westbound lanes of Shepherd that knocked power to some parts in the area.
The driver and possibly another person fled the scene, near Teague Avenue. The possible driver was later located and detained, Gebhart said.
He faces DUI and hit-and-run charges.
Gebhart said there are no indications that the vehicle was stolen.
PG&E crews were on scene to restore power in the area that included signal lights. It’s unknown how many people were without power.
A high school basketball game at Clovis West had to be moved to Buchanan’s gym due to the power outage.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 559-621-7000.
This story was originally published December 9, 2022 at 10:06 PM.
