The crash knocked over a power pole, cutting electricity to the neighborhood, authorities said. Photo by Michelle Johnson McNeley.
The crash knocked over a power pole, cutting electricity to the neighborhood, authorities said. Photo by Michelle Johnson McNeley.

More than 300 households in East Long Beach and Lakewood were without power this morning after a suspected drunk driver crashed his SUV into a utility pole, authorities said.

Deputies from the Lakewood Sheriff’s station arrested the driver shortly after 11:40 p.m. Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Carlos Girard said.

The crash was violent enough that it knocked over the pole near Bellflower Boulevard and Arbor Road.

Initially 610 customers were hit with the power outage, according to a spokeswoman for Southern California Edison. The Lakewood Sheriff’s station was affected, too, but power was later restored Girard said.

Edison estimated the remaining customers would have their power back by 3 p.m. today. As of 11:30 a.m. households South of Del Amo Boulevard, North of Arbor Road, West of Eastbrook Avenue and East of Montair Avenue were still affected, according to Edison.

Valerie Osier is the Social Media & Newsletter Manager for the Long Beach Post. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ValerieOsier