Parts of northern Bartholomew County were without power Friday night after a Hope man crashed his truck into a pole, splitting it in half. Lt. Matrt Harris, spokesman for the Columbus Police Department, says that officers responded to the 4800 block of Sawin Drive shortly before 8 p.m. When the officers arrived, they reported speaking with the driver, 66-year-old Mark H. Forster. Forster allegedly told officers that had consumed five or six beers and was heading home when the crash occurred. While speaking with Forster, the officers reported noticing the strong odor of alcohol on his breath and that he had difficulty maintaining his balance.

Authorities say that Forster failed sobriety tests at the crash scene and later provided a certified breath test sample of .165%, more than twice the legal limit. Forster was arrested on a preliminary charge of Operating a Vehicle with a Breath Alcohol Content of .15% or Greater.