Police say driver fell asleep, struck power pole

BINGHAM COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, Shelley Police Department and Shelley Fire/EMS responded to a one vehicle accident at the intersection of 1400 N HWY 91 near Shelley Monday around 5:56 p.m.

Upon arrival, it was discovered a major power pole was sheared off halfway on the east shoulder.

After investigating the incident, police say it was determined 29-year-old Dustin R. Leroux of Blackfoot, the driver of a 2017 Subaru Impreza, was traveling southbound when he fell asleep at the wheel, crossed multiple lanes of travel and struck the pole.

The estimated damage to the power pole is $30,000.

Leroux was cited for inattentive driving pursuant to IC 49-1401(3) and released.

The sheriff's office says though Leroux was cited for this violation, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

"At this time we would like to remind the public of the dangers of driving drowsy, distracted, and/or impaired," the department said. "Though there was severe property damage involved, we are thankful to report the absence of any major injuries or deaths. We also witnessed a traffic accident not far from this area on routine patrol just prior to this accident. Thus, there will be increased traffic-specific patrols in the area in both marked and unmarked vehicles with an emphasis during peak hours."