Driver hits utility pole, flips car in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A driver was arrested after police said that he hit a utility pole and flipped his car early Thursday morning.

According to a police report, Christopher Nickell was charged with OVI.

It happened on Poland Avenue in Youngstown just after 2 a.m.

Reports said that Nickell told police that something had run out in front of his car. Police found him walking around while missing one shoe and police said that he was stumbling around the car.

Reports said that Nickell smelled of alcoholic beverages and had slurred speech. Police asked him where he was coming from and he said “downtown.”

When police asked Nickell to submit a blood test, reports said that he wanted to talk to his lawyer first.

Police said that a utility pole was badly damaged and a transformer was knocked down.

Nickell was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment of injuries.

In addition to the OVI charge, Nickell was also cited with failure to control and having expired license plates. His court date is Friday at 9 a.m.

Wilson Corbisello contributed to this report.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.