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Crash causes power outage
Turlock crash
Police and fire shut off the block as they deal with a wooden utility pole that was stranding precariously after a car sheered it off at ground level Friday morning. - photo by JEFF BENZIGER / The Journal

An 18-year-old Turlock man is facing criminal charges after he crashed into a utility pole and fled the scene.

The collision caused power failures in numerous neighborhoods Friday morning, including most of the downtown area.

The collision was reported shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday on East Avenue, between Minaret Avenue and Rose Street.

For an unknown reason the driver, later identified as Emilio Gallo, 18, lost control of the vehicle and struck the power pole. The force of the impact practically sheered the pole off at the base.

The crash was witnessed by one individual who saw Gallo run from the scene. The witness contacted the police department and followed Gallo, which led to Gallo’s arrest in the nearby area just minutes after the crash.

Gallo was cited by the Turlock Police Department for misdemeanor hit and run and driving without a license.

No injuries were reported.