REDDING: No injuries after SUV plows into power pole, knocking out power to 2,200

REDDING — Dozens of city blocks and multiple traffic signals along Churn Creek and South Bonnyview Roads were left without power after a driver lost control of his SUV and plowed into an electrical power pole, Friday afternoon, Dec. 22. The non-injury accident happened on Churn Creek Road, near Linda Lane, in Redding.

City of Redding Police and Fire officials along with other emergency first responders were dispatched to the scene of the single-vehicle crash at 3:37 p.m., after SHASCOM emergency dispatchers received “multiple” 911 calls from other motorists and witnesses reporting the crash, Redding Police Sergeant Brian Cole explained after the accident.

When officials arrived they found the wreckage of a 2005 GMC Yukon that had smashed into a City of Redding electrical utility pole. The impact knocked the power pole down, taking multiple power lines down with it and knocked out power to about 2,200 area customers.

Due to the accident debris and downed power lines, officials called for the temporary closure of Churn Creek Road, south of Hartnell Avenue and north of Shirley Lane. The roadway was re-opened around 11 p.m.

During a subsequent investigation, officers determined the driver of the SUV, identified as Clifford Custer Evans, 27, of Redding, was travelling northbound on Churn Creek Road when he lost control of his SUV. After losing control, Evans’ vehicle left the roadway, and smashed into the power pole.

Evans, who was the sole-occupant of the vehicle and was wearing his seat belt, was not injured in the crash.

“Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a factor in the collision,” said Cole.

The full cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this crash or who witnessed the accident is encourged to contact Redding PD at (530) 225-4200. Callers can refer to incident file number 17-94286 and can remain anonymous.

 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.