The Ponoka Tim Hortons and Wendy’s fast food restaurant had no power Wednesday night after a vehicle took out a nearby power pole.
The incident occurred at around 8:15 p.m. when a pickup truck collided with the north side power pole at Tim Hortons. Witnesses state the power went out at the fast food restaurant and then staff called 911.
Other witnesses stated they saw a big bright flash before the power went out.
EMS, police and the Ponoka Fire Department attended the scene.
More Ponoka RCMP Files: B.C. Woman Charged with Assault at Ponoka Bar
Police stated Thursday morning that the driver allegedly ran out of the pickup screaming for staff not to call police.
“The employees held the door closed and the male smashed the door and tried pulling the employee through the door,” states the RCMP.
He fled the area and was subsequently arrested at the CO-OP Gas Bar by RCMP.
As of 10 p.m. Wednesday there were no further details. Ponoka News will update as more information becomes available.
It appears the truck was heading southeast and went over the curb striking the power box. The power box was moved approximately 15 feet from its location, say police.
The truck sustained severe front end damage but no injuries have been reported in this incident. The 34-year-old man from Ponoka has been charged with several offences including assaulting a police officer, assault, impaired driving, refusing to provide a blood-alcohol sample, two counts of mischief under $5,000, resisting a peace officer, causing a disturbance, driving carelessly and failing to drive in the centre of the lane.
“The suspect appeared intoxicated and was combative and spitting at the officers,” say police.
After that RCMP took statements from witnesses — with flashlights in the Tim Hortons as there was still no power — to get more details about what occurred.
Police continue to investigate.
