Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Capsule reports

Pole hit

A Portland man lost control of his vehicle and hit a pole along county road 700 East about 10:15 a.m. Sunday.

Hunter L. Lairson, 22, was driving his 2020 Honda Civic south on the road near its intersection with Indiana 67. He told police he was driving too fast, causing him to lose control and drive off the west side of the road. 

The pole is owned by American Electric Power. Lairson’s vehicle was towed, with damage estimated between $10,000 and $25,000.

Avoiding ducks

A Portland man struck a pole after he swerved off county road 500 North to avoid hitting a flock of ducks about 8:23 a.m. Friday.

Bryan E. Cline, 62, was driving a 1989 Ford F-600 west on the road when the ducks ran into his path. Cline told police he swerved to avoid hitting the birds, causing him to drive off the north side of the road and into a utility pole owned by Jay County REMC.

Damage is estimated between $2,500 and $5,000. The vehicle he was driving is registered to Industrial Commercial Service of Portland.