Unlicensed Driver Responsible for Early Morning Utility Pole Crash

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The driver of a Ford F-150 allegedly lost control of the pickup while driving northbound on S. Oakes St. this morning. 

The vehicle struck a power pole in the 400 block of S. Oaks in front of the MHMR Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services building breaking the power pole off just above the ground.   

AEP crews were on the scene by 7:30 to restore power.  Traffic was diverted around the area. 

This is a developing story.  We’ll update it as information becomes available.  

UPDATE: Thursday, July 13th @ 11:45 a.m. 

The San Angelo Police Department's Public Information Officer Tracy Gonzalez has provided preliminary information on the crash that occurred earlier this morning.  

Gonzalez said police units were dispatched to a vehicle crash at 7:06 a.m. at the intersection of South Oakes and Bird Streets for reports of a gray Ford F-150 against a utility pole.

The initial report indicates the driver was in his 30's, complaining of chest pains from hitting the steering wheel. Medic 5 was dispatched to the scene.

Dispatch was advised that the pole had been sheared in half and the transformer and lines were on the ground. AEP was subsequently notified.

Gonzalez reiterated that the above information is preliminary and that the investigation is still ongoing.  

UPDATE: Thursday, July 13th @ 3:00 p.m. 

Following an investigation by the SAPD, the driver of the Silver 1999 Ford F-150, extended cab, has been identified as thirty-year-old Stephen Dumas. He is an unlicensed driver and was not the registered owner of the vehicle 

A preliminary investigation shows that Dumas was traveling north in the 400 block of S. Oakes when his vehicle drifted from the roadway. After it left the roadway, it jumped the curb and collided with a street sign, utility police, and an adjacent building, according to a SAPD press release.

The sign was destroyed and the pole was sheared in half, however, the building did not sustain any damage. Dumas was the only occupant in vehicle. The airbag deployed and he was wearing a seatbelt during the crash. 

Dumas sustained non-incapacitating injuries that were evaluated by medics at the scene.

The investigating Traffic Officer advised speed was a contributing factor to the crash.

Dumas was cited for Failure to Control Speed and Driving While License Invalid.

The registered owner, who showed up at the crash scene during the investigation, received a citation for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle in the roadway.