FAIRFIELD — A Clinton man was charged with operating under the influence after the pickup truck he was driving Friday struck a utility pole, knocking out power to the area and forcing the closure of Main Street, police said.

The driver of this pickup truck was charged with operating under the influence after the pickup slammed into a utility pole Friday on Main Street in Fairfield, knocking out power to the area and forcing the temporary closure of the road. Photo courtesy of Fairfield police

Fairfield police were dispatched shortly after 11 a.m. to the scene near Belanger’s Drive-In, according to police Officer Casey Dugas.

The utility pole was struck by a blue 2009 Ram pickup operated by Ricky Hamlin, 21, Dugas said. Hamlin was the only occupant of the pickup, which sustained extensive damage, he said.

“(Hamlin) said he was distracted by his cellphone,” Dugas said. “However, we do believe that alcohol was also a factor.”

Hamlin suffered minor injuries in the wreck and was transported to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Waterville as a precaution. He was given a blood alcohol test, arrested and charged with operating under the influence, Dugas said.

The wreck knocked out power to the area, but a crew from Central Maine Power Co. was able to restore it after replacing the pole.

Both lanes of Main Street were closed while the pole was replaced. Some utility work was still necessary to fully address the damage, Dugas said.

Hamlin is scheduled to appear in Skowhegan District Court on July 12, Dugas said.

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