Drunk driver slams into utility pole at 42nd Street off-ramp

Police said a man was drunk when the car he was driving slammed into a utility pole Monday afternoon on the 42nd Street off-ramp from Interstate 380.

It happened around 1:40 p.m. on the off-ramp from northbound I-380. Kathy Curphey, of Cedar Rapids, said the man first rear-ended her sport-utility vehicle. She said the crash popped up the hood of the man's car, and he briefly lost control.

Curphey said the man sped off again down the off-ramp and collided into the utility pole before crossing 42nd Street NE, shaking loose a traffic signal.

"He was going fast," Curphey said.

Officer Harvey Caldwell said alcohol was found at the scene.

"It was in the car and on his person," Caldwell said.

The man was transported by ambulance to St. Luke's Hospital. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, police said.

Curphey said another motorist who had pulled over had followed the man from First Avenue East, and had been on the phone with police about his driving.

Curphey and her 9-year-old son were not hurt. She was thankful no other motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists were injured in the incident. Police were continuing to investigate.