Drunk Driver Knocks Out Lima Power Lines in Crash

LIMA – The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Bloomfield man for driving while intoxicated after his Jeep ran off the road, struck multiple mailboxes and knocked down a utility pole.

According to a press release from Sheriff Thomas Dougherty, Terry Mathews, 26, was arrested for felony Driving While Intoxicated, felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree, misdemeanor Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration, Operating Without Insurance, Failure to Keep Right, and Failure to Submit to a Chemical Breath Test.

On July 15 at about 10:12 p.m. the Livingston County Emergency Communications Center (E-911) received a call from an off duty police officer who saw a vehicle which had apparently crashed into two telephone poles, causing multiple power lines to go down down in the roadway.

Deputy Sheriffs arrived on scene and found the Jeep with two occupants. The male operator, later identified as Mathews, suffered serious physical injuries and was immediately attended to by first responders. The off-duty officer alleges that Mathews was the driver.

Lima Fire, Livonia Fire and Livonia EMS also arrived on scene. Mathews was removed from the vehicle and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for further medical treatment. The female passenger was evaluated by medical personal on scene and released. National Grid was contacted and responded to the accident scene to assist Fire and EMS by removing the damaged utility poles and wires.

The Sheriff’s Office alleges that Mathews was traveling northbound on Livonia Center Road in the Town of Lima when the operator crossed over the center line into the southbound lane before leaving the roadway, striking multiple mailboxes and two utility poles.

The on-scene investigation and interviews allege that Mathews was operating the vehicle in an intoxicated condition. Mathews allegedly refused to have his blood drawn for alcohol testing at the hospital, making his DWI charge a felony. Livingston County Judge Dennis Cohen signed a search warrant for the blood draw, which was executed by Deputy Connor Sanford.

A review of Mathews’ license revealed he had a revoked license for a previous DWI offense and also showed a previous conviction for DWI on July 28, 2010.

Mathews was released from the hospital and arrested on July 27.

Lima Town Justice Harold Harris arraigned Mathews and ordered him held at the Livingston County Jail on $3,500 cash or $6,000 bond. The District Attorney’s Office recommended of $3,000 cash or $6,000 bond.

The investigation and arrest were handled by Deputy Connor Sanford of the Sheriff’s STOP DWI Unit assisted by Deputy Robert Holt of the Forensic Identification Unit, Deputy Geoffrey Vandunk, and Deputy Matthew Thomas.