WATERVILLE — An Oakland man was arrested early Saturday after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a utility pole on Chase Avenue and he and his passenger fled the scene, according to police.

Jason R. Muzerolle, 39, of 10 Hubbard St., Apt. 1, Oakland, was charged with operating under the influence and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident after police found the two men a short time later, police Sgt. Alden Weigelt said.

A passerby who reported the crash at 12:35 a.m. Saturday had come upon the scene just after it occurred and saw snow flying around from the impact, Weigelt said. The single-vehicle crash occurred near where Chase Avenue turns into Lincoln Street.

Weigelt said Muzerolle was driving a 1999 Nissan Altima, which left the road and struck and damaged a Central Maine Power Co. pole. CMP workers responded to assess the damage, he said.

Muzzerolle and his passenger, Donald Emery, 37, who also lives on Hubbard Street, Oakland, but in a different apartment than Muzerolle, fled on foot, but police were able to find them quickly.

Both men were injured in the crash, according to Weigelt. Muzerolle was taken by Delta Ambulance to Thayer Center for Health where he was treated and released. Emery also was taken by Delta to a hospital, according to Weigelt.

Operating under the influence and leaving the scene both are Class D misdemeanors, he said. Muzerolle is scheduled to appear in Waterville District Court Feb. 7, he said. As part of his conditions, he is not to engage in further criminal conduct or possess alcohol or illegal drugs and must submit to searches of his person, vehicle and home.

Muzerolle was released on $750 unsecured bail, which means he must pay that amount if he does not show up for his court appearance, according to Weigelt.

Emery was not charged in the incident.

Amy Calder — 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @AmyCalder17