Accident that knocked out power in Aberdeen caused by suspected drunk driver

Aberdeen, WA – The accident that knocked out power in Aberdeen Wednesday night was caused by a drunk driver in a hit and run incident.

The Aberdeen Police Department tells KXRO that a 21-year old Aberdeen man was transported to Grays Harbor Community Hospital Wednesday night following a collision with a power pole.

They say that at about 9:10 p.m. the impact of the 2012 Ford Focus sheared off the power pole just above ground, and the car rolled onto its roof in the 1800 block of Bel Aire Ave.

According to police, witnesses saw the driver fleeing the scene on foot after the collision.

Aberdeen officers responded to the scene along with Hoquiam officers and a Grays Harbor Sheriff K-9 team.

Police say the suspect fled into a wooded area known as the Sherwood Forest, where the K-9 team found the man down a steep embankment and took him into custody.

A search warrant was secured for blood evidence, as officers suspected the driver to be impaired by intoxicants.

They say speed is also believed to be a contributing factor in the collision.

According to Aberdeen Police, the suspect remained in the hospital receiving medical treatment and charges of DUI, Hit and Run, Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest are pending upon his release.

The vehicle was totaled in the collision, and PUD linesmen responded to repair the damaged power infrastructure in the area.