Driver cited after crash topples utility pole, closing Baker Road in Deschutes River Woods

Update: TDS spokesman update; service restored)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Bend man was cited for careless driving Thursday after a crash caused a utility pole to fall onto and close Baker Road in Deschutes River Woods, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

The crash was reported around noon on Baker Road just west of Umatilla Circle, Sergeant Jason Wall said.

The cause and manner of the crash were under investigation, but the driver and sole occupant of the Subaru Legacy was issued a citation for careless driving, Wall said. The 61-year-old driver sustained minor injuries but declined medics, the sergeant added.

Only communication lines were in the roadway, with no live power lines involved. Deschutes County Public Works was staffing the closure.

Century Link is helping the sheriff’s office to remove their downed lines, Wall said, but advised the pole and other lines are property of TDS.

TDS Telecommunications spokesman Mark Schaaf said, "We have multiple TDS crews on site now working to make repairs and clear the road following the crash earlier today. The crash impacted about 200 TDS customers and crews are working to restore service as quickly as possible."

Around 6:30, Schaaf provided an update: "We have cleared the TDS lines that were down and restored service to customers."