Car crashes into utility pole, knocking out power in East Kennewick

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Benton County Sheriff's Deputies are investigation a crash that damaged a power pole and knocked out power to about a dozen homes and businesses in the county on the east side of Kennewick.

The crash happened at about 12:45 a.m. east of the intersection at 19th and Washington in Southeast Kennewick.

A nearby resident heard the crash, and saw someone running eastbound from the scene.

According to Corporal Randy Loyd with the Benton County Sheriff's Office, says the collision prompted the vehicle's airbags to deploy, and it appears that the driver was not wearing a seat belt.

Investigators contacted the vehicle's owner who claims that her ex may have been driving the sedan.

Benton PUD is reporting that 11 customers lost power, and it's expected to be restored by 8:00 a.m.

The County Roads division has 19th Ave. closed between Beech and Cedar while Benton PUD replaces the utility pole.