Local Man Arrested on 2nd DWI After Snapping Utility Pole

The Portsmouth Police Department arrested a North Hampton man for drunken driving following a single-vehicle crash that damaged two utility poles on Saturday night and closed a portion of Lafayette Road in Portsmouth for more than three hours.

Kevon F. Hughes, 45, of 34 Lafayette Road in North Hampton, was charged with driving while intoxicated, second offense, according to Portsmouth Police Sgt. Kuffer Kaltenborn. According to police, Hughes was convicted of his first DWI offense in July 2003 in Portsmouth Circuit Court.

According to police, Hughes was driving a 2003 Toyota Tundra pickup truck south on Lafayette Road shortly before 9 p.m. As his vehicle approached the Rye town line, police say the pick-up veered right, travelled onto the shoulder, and struck a telephone pole snapping it off at the base.

Police say Hughes' vehicle continued southbound and struck a second telephone pole before the pickup truck came to rest in a snow bank. The accident downed the power lines from the two utility poles and blocked the roadway until Public Service of New Hampshire crews were able to remove them.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed or may have information about this collision to call Portsmouth Police Officer Charlie Raizes at  (603) 610-7534. Those individuals who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 431-1199 or 207-439-1199. People may also make a report through the Seacoast Crime Stoppers.