Branch Township man arrested after crash with utility pole.

Branch Township man arrested after crash with utility pole.

#MasonCountyNews.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

BRANCH TOWNSHIP — A 30-year-old Branch Township man was arrested Monday evening after he allegedly drove his pickup truck into a utility pole at the intersection of US 10 and Benson Road. Mason County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Mike Fort said the man will be charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of a property damage accident. The man is also likely to face weapons charges after a pistol was found in the vehicle.

The crash occurred about 8:30 p.m. when the southbound blue Dodge Dakota pickup crossed US 10 and struck the utility pole on the south side of the road. The impact caused the pole to break and left high voltage power lines and a mercury light dangling just a few feet across US 10. Power as far away as Scottville flickered and most of the Walhalla area was without power. The driver fled the scene by foot heading north on Benson Road, likely to his home. He was later apprehended.

US 10 was shut down and traffic diverted between Walhalla and Schoenherr roads as a result of the crash. As of 10:42 p.m. Consumers Energy was on scene but waiting for more equipment. Estimated repair times were at least two to three hours.

Branch Township Fire Department and Custer Fire Department also responded.

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