(La Porte County, IN) - A driver who took down a utility pole outside La Porte was arrested for being impaired by alcohol.

 

Bailey Viou, 26, of La Porte is charged for having an alleged blood alcohol level of .225 percent.

 

The crash happened late Sunday night at Johnson Road and W. Severs Road.

 

La Porte County Police said Viou explained he was driving through the intersection when he swerved to avoid a deer, causing him to strike the pole in his 2005 Chevy Avalanche.

 

The power lines from the broken pole were laying on the ground, police said.

 

Police said the charge was elevated to a felony because of the driver having a prior OWI conviction from 2020.