Drunk driver snaps utility pole near Schnellville

Schnellville — An impaired driver took out a utility pole and then left the scene of the accident early Saturday morning.

According to the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Keith Verkamp, 19, of S. Celestine Road, was westbound on Schnellville Road east of County Road 700E at about 1:25 a.m. in a 1995 Chevrolet truck when he went left of center and into a ditch. The truck continued west in the ditch until it hit a utility pole, breaking it. The truck then flipped over and came to rest facing south in the ditch.

Verkamp left the scene before deputies arrived but was found a short time later at his residence.

Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services and Celestine first responders came to Verkamp’s residence to treat him. According to police, Verkamp suffered a broken neck and was taken to Memorial Hospital for treatment.

No powerlines were down although the utility pole and guy line were broken. Dubois REC was called to the scene to assist.

Verkamp was charged with operating while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident and minor consuming.

The truck had about $7,000 in damages.

Indiana State Police and a Bergs wrecker also responded to the scene.