DUI driver flips Cadillac, knocks out power in SLO

June 8, 2016

A man suspected of driving under the influence crashed a Cadillac SUV into power pole wiring in San Luis Obispo knocking out electricity to more than 2,400 customers, according to the San Luis Obispo Police Department.

Around 10:26 p.m. Tuesday, Andrew Quartuccio was driving eastbound on Foothill Boulevard. Quartuccio veered out of his lane for an unknown reason and struck the support wire for a power pole on the south side of the street. The Cadillac SUV rolled over and landed on its roof.

The collision damaged the power pole and electrical equipment, causing an outage in the area. Quartuccio suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for examination.

Officers conducted a DUI investigation and arrested Quartuccio.

PG&E crews responded to the scene and quickly restored power. But, crews had to remain on scene for several hours for repair and cleanup work.

Officers closed Foothill Boulevard to traffic between Santa Rosa and Casa streets. The roadway was supposed to reopen at 7 a.m., but with traffic in both directions being limited to one lane.

Tuesday was election day, and power briefly went out at the government center while elections officials were tallying votes at night.