Car Hits Paddock Avenue Utility Pole

A man in his 20s crashed into a Paddock Avenue utility pole Wednesday night, after allegedly leaning over to take a call on his cell phone, according to police.

Police and fire responded just before 8 p.m. to calls of an accident on Paddock Ave. near Farnes Ave. A Mazda had hit a utility pole there, cracking the pole near the base. 

The car had significant front end damage and had to be towed, but the driver, who was alone in the car, was unhurt, said Meriden Police Sgt. Jeff Herget. He received a ticket for distracted driving.

The pole was leaning somewhat, but deemed stable by Connecticut Light and Power workers at the scene, Herget said. None of the nearby homes lost power, phone or cable.

At about 9 p.m., a CL&P truck was waiting for SNET, the owners of the pole to arrive and begin to repair the damage.

Police said utility crews may be working on Paddock Thursday to restore the pole.

Correction: We originally said this accident occurred on Pomeroy Ave. It actually happened on Paddock Ave.