Crash causes power outage near East Bay Street in Costa Mesa

A driver suspected of being impaired knocked out power to a Costa Mesa neighborhood when he slammed into a utility pole around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to authorities.

Power in the area is not expected to be restored until Thursday morning.

Police said they arrived at Newport Boulevard and East Bay Street to find multiple electrical lines and transformers strewn across the street.

A Cadillac CTS had knocked over a power pole and plowed through a utility box that controlled a traffic signal, Costa Mesa police Lt. Greg Scott said.

The impact “completely demolished” the signal box, said Costa Mesa Fire Department Battalion Chief Tim Vasin.

The driver tried to flee but was quickly taken into custody by officers, according to Vasin.

Police arrested the man on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Scott identified him only as a 44-year-old Costa Mesa resident.

As of 8:35 a.m. Wednesday, power was still out for 286 customers in the area, according to Southern California Edison.

The utility’s website estimated that most service would be restored by 8 a.m. Thursday.

— Jeremiah Dobruck and Bradley Zint

Twitter: @thedailypilot