WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — A man is suspected of his 3rd OWI after a single-vehicle crash that knocked out power to about two dozen Wausau residents on Thursday morning.
The incident happened just before 10 AM near Tracy’s Automotive at the corner of 9th Avenue and West Street. Witnesses reported hearing a loud “boom” as the vehicle drove into a power pole, knocking down a transformer.
According to Patrol Lieutenant Jennifer Holz the driver tried to flee before police got there. She says two witnesses were able to hold him down until officers arrived. “That’s not something we would ever ask of the public, but it did assist us in this situation,” said Holz.
Officers had the scene cleared by about 11 AM. A portion of West Street near the railroad tracks was blocked off during that time.
No further details, including the driver’s name, were immediately released.
WPS reports that about 24 customers lost power following the crash. Crews were able to have service restored to all of them by about 1 PM.