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Police: Intoxicated driver knocks down 4 utility poles in Stoneham

STONEHAM, Mass. — A 22-year-old Woburn man crashed his car shortly after midnight Sunday, destroying four utility poles, said police.

"This is the most widespread amount of damage I have seen from a single vehicle crash in my career," Fire Chief Matthew Grafton said.

Police said Ryan Carney was intoxicated when he drove his Acura MDX down William Street in Stoneham and managed to knock down four utility poles and wedge his car between a pole, a rock and a fence. A wheel and tire had come off the vehicle and separated.

Fire and police arrived at the scene after several 911 calls about the crash. Police said that Carney was driving and he also had a male passenger; both of them declined medical treatment.

PHOTOS: Stoneham crash knocks down 4 utility poles

Carney was allegedly slurring his speech as he spoke to officers and had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. He was arrested and has been charged with an OUI and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

William Street has been closed since the crash and will remain so for most of Sunday as crews work to replace the poles. There were many downed wires on the street as well.

"The clean-up process is complex and multifaceted, with utility poles, wires, and damaged vehicles that must be dealt with," said Grafton.

About 100 Stoneham residents lost power as a result of the incident.

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