Police identify driver in accident causing power outage

Police have identified the driver in an accident that knocked out electric power to about 900 homes Tuesday night in eastern Lawrence.

A car driven by Kevin Rice, 47, rural Lawrence, struck a bus shelter and utility pole shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday. Lawrence Police have made no arrests or citations, but they are investigating whether alcohol contributed to the accident, according to police Sgt. Mike Pattrick.

The accident knocked out electricity for several blocks in the area of Haskell Avenue and La Salle Street. Power was restored to most of the homes about an hour after the accident, according to Karla Olsen, a Westar Energy customer spokeswoman.


For any additional information on this story, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Journal-World.