Forked River Man Charged With Drunk Driving After Smashing Into Utility Pole

Lacey police have charged a Forked River man with driving while intoxicated after he struck a utility pole on Friday evening, Sgt. Paul Sullivan said.

Gary L. Thorpe Jr., 36, was uninjured in the 8:41 p.m. accident at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Devon Street. Thorpe was traveling south on Harrison Avenue when his 2005 Ford pickup left the roadway and struck the telephone pole. The vehicle then rolled over on its side, Sullivan said.

Thorpe was arrested at the scene. The telephone pole split in half but remained standing. Verizon crews were on the scene making repairs as of early this morning, he said.