Suspected DUI Crash Into Menifee Power Pole Spurs 14 Hour Road Closure

MENIFEE, CA — A road in Menifee will remain closed through Friday afternoon after a collision "severely damaged" a power pole on Thursday night, authorities said.

Around 10:45 p.m., officers responded to reports of a vehicle that had crashed into a power pole about 100 yards south of the intersection at Murrieta Road and La Piedra Road, the Menifee Police Department said in a statement.

First responders arriving on the scene located a man with minor injuries to his face. The man, who was the single occupant of the crashed vehicle, exhibited symptoms of intoxication, according to officers who interacted with him.

The injured driver was taken to a local hospital while police initiated a Driving Under the Influence investigation.

Meanwhile, Southern California Edison arrived to the area around 11:30 p.m. to assess the damage. The utility said it could take between 12 to 14 hours to repair the power pole.

Police and the city's Public Works Department said it would be necessary to shut down Murrieta Road until about 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

"We encourage drivers to plan alternate routes and drive safely while anticipating slower-moving traffic in the area," Menifee police said.