DUI driver arrested in Citrus Heights after colliding with pole, released the next day

By Sara Beth Williams–
A driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI by police after colliding with a power pole in Citrus Heights on Monday. The collision resulted in a power outage affecting hundreds of residents and traffic delays for hours on Auburn Boulevard.

Citrus Heights police officers responded to Auburn Boulevard and Shadow Lane just after 5:41 p.m. to reports of a vehicle colliding with a power pole. The collision resulted in severe damage to two power poles, according to local news reports. No injuries were reported. SMUD outage maps just after the incident showed hundreds without power.

Witnesses reported that the vehicle had flipped onto its back. One power pole was sparking and fell over, causing power lines to fall into the roadway. Both southbound and northbound lanes on Auburn Boulevard were closed between Shadow Lane and Manzanita Avenue for several hours Monday evening. Witnesses also said power was out in surrounding neighborhoods, and traffic signal lights were also reported to have been impacted. SMUD outage maps still showed 111 customers without power at 8:45 p.m. on Monday.

Jose Manuel Haro was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and transported to jail, but was released on Tuesday, May 6, according to Sacramento County Main Jail records.

Tuesday morning, power had been restored to the area, according to SMUD outage maps.