SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP — The driver of a pickup truck caused a power outage and a road closure after striking several utility poles early Friday morning, according to the Lima Ohio State Highway Patrol.
According to a release, at around 1:34 a.m. Neamia Bennett, 19, of Gomer, “failed to negotiate the curve” at the Bussert Road intersection in a 1998 GMC Sonoma truck, going left off the road to hit two utility poles, a traffic sign and another utility pole. Two poles were knocked down and power lines blocked the road.
Bennett left the scene of the crash but was found at his home shortly after, according to the release. American Township Fire and EMS treated Bennet for non-life-threatening injuries.
Alcohol and “excessive speed” are suspected factors in the incident, according to the release. Bennett is believed to have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
Gomer Road was closed between Bussert and State Roads following the accident, and will remain closed while crews repair the power lines and utility poles. There was a temporary power outage after the crash, which is under investigation.
Troopers on scene were assisted by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, American Electric Power, American Township Fire and EMS and Miller’s Performance Towing Service.
The OSHP reminded drivers to abstain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to always wear a seatbelt.
