Vehicle strikes utility pole

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a Register correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. VERMILION — A 19-year-old driver and a 19-year-old passenger were charged after a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning near Liberty Avenue (U.S. 6) in Vermilion. At about 12:20 a.m., officers arrived at the scene, near the Speedway gas station, for a crash involving a vehicle that had gone off the road, striking a utility pole and a tree, according to a Vermilion Police Department report. Officers said the blue Hyundai had been traveling westbound when it left the road. A witness told officers the vehicle went off the right side of the road before striking the pole and continuing into a tree. The witness remained at the scene and spoke with officers. Police did not report any other injuries or vehicles involved in the crash. Charges follow investigation Officers reported that the 19-year-old driver showed signs of alcohol use and refused roadside field sobriety tests at the scene. The motorist was taken to the Vermilion Police Department and later provided a breath sample that measured 0.179 blood-alcohol content. Ohio's legal limit for drivers age 21 and older is 0.08, and drivers under 21 are prohibited from driving after consuming alcohol. The driver was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, underage alcohol consumption, possession of marijuana and possession of a tobacco product under 21, all misdemeanors. The 19-year-old passenger was charged with underage alcohol consumption, open container, possession of marijuana and possession of a tobacco product under 21, all misdemeanors. Emergency medical personnel evaluated both individuals at the scene, but officers said they declined medical treatment. Officers reported finding multiple open alcohol containers inside the vehicle during the investigation. Both were later released to sober parties after the investigation was completed, police said.