Lowell Man Arrested, Charged With DUI In Tewksbury Outage Crash

TEWKSBURY, MA — A Lowell man was arrested following a motor vehicle accident in Tewksbury Monday. Mark Sweeney, 47, of Lowell was charged with an OUI, fourth offense, among other charges, after the truck he was driving struck a utility pole M0nday evening. Sweeney was scheduled to have a dangerousness hearing in Lowell District Court Wednesday.

Police responded to a call at 5:19 p.m. Monday, for a single-vehicle crash on Woburn Street near Highland Avenue. When they arrived, the truck was lying on its side, on the passenger side, and the utility pole was severely damaged, according to Tewksbury Police Chief John Voto.

Sweeney was taken to the hospital and arrested. He was treated and released.

In addition to the OUI, he was also charged with driving on a suspended license, reckless operation and a marked lines violation.

After the truck struck the pole, two power lines came in contact, causing a voltage surge in the Woburn and Felkner Street area at the Tewksbury-Lowell town line. Hundreds of homes on either side of the line lost power. National Grid crews had to inspect each home individually before restoring power, so dozens remained without power Tuesday evening.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, power has now been restored to all customers.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.