(Updated 3:15-p.m.)

Atlantic Police, Medivac Ambulance and Atlantic Fire and Rescue were called to the scene of a single-vehicle accident at 11:24-a.m., Saturday. The crash involved a 2016 Ford Fusion that struck and AMU power pole in the 1200 block of Chestnut Street. Atlantic Police Officer Devon Hogue said the car, driven by Doug Howard, of Atlantic, was northbound on Chestnut when, according to Howard, he reached down to change the radio, and lost control of the car. The vehicle hit a curb and then the power pole, snapping it off at the base. The car continued north on Chestnut for about half a block, before coming to rest in the middle of the road. The vehicle sustained heavy damage to the left front quarter panel and wheel well.

A crew from AMU was on the scene at around 12:15, working to remove and replace the damaged pole. Howard refused medical treatment and was transported to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, where he was subsequently charged with OWI/3rd offense and was cited for Failure to Maintain Control and Striking a Fixture upon Highway. The Iowa State Patrol assisted at the scene.