The man was driving a Ford Explorer XLS around 2:25 p.m. northbound on the 900 block of E Street when he somehow veered off the right side of the road, jumped a curb and struck the pole located between Ninth Street and Gillette Alley, according to Tracy police officer Octavia Lopez.
His name wasn’t released at the scene, because he had not been formally charged with a crime as of 3 p.m.
“We need to interview him more about what happened before we charge him,” Lopez said. “We don’t know if there were distractions or what caused this yet.”
Officers administered a field sobriety test at the scene, during which the man had to follow the tip of a pen with his eyes. He was overheard telling officers, “I started drinking this morning.”
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. was responding to assess the damage to the pole — which was moved about four to six inches at the base and showed signs of splintering. It did not appear that power was cut to any nearby businesses or homes.
It’s unclear if it will need to be replaced.
Lopez said the man’s name could be released later in the day. No other passengers or vehicles were involved, he said.
• Contact Joel Danoy at 830-4229 or jdanoy@tracypress.com
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