Oak Bluffs police plan to seek charges against Mark Roaen, 58, of Oak Bluffs, in connection with an accident that knocked out power to sections of Oak Bluffs Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. Roaen was behind the wheel of his 1998 BMW 528i when he smashed into a utility pole on County Road, just opposite Leslie’s Lane in Oak Bluffs about 11:15 am. Mr. Roaen told police he swerved to avoid a dog that ran across the road.
Oak Bluffs Police Lt. Tim Williamson said that based on the absence of skid marks and the statement of a witness police believe Mr. Roaen was distracted by a cell phone.
Police will seek charges of negligent operation, marked lanes violation and impeded operation, he said.
Mr. Roaen was transported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital where he was treated and released.
NSTAR utility crews remained on-site replacing the snapped utility pole and wires until about 8 pm, Tuesday.