DUI crash leaves hundreds without power in Petersburg

A woman is behind bars after Petersburg police say she crashed into a power pole, knocking out power to hundreds of homes.

At one point, 800 Dominion customers were in the dark for more than four hours. As utility crews hurried to replace an entire power pole, neighbors woke up without electricity.

PETERSBURG, VA (WWBT) - Police say Erlinda Padilla, 29, slammed into the pole on South Park Drive after 3 a.m. Padilla was charged with DUI and taken to jail.

"[It was] a crash… loud noise," described neighbor Jennifer Saunders who heard the commotion along with her great-grandson. Her one-year-old, great grandson Alanzo, didn't appreciate his Sunday morning interrupted.

"He didn't like it too much. It's dark. He was running, wanting me to pick him up," continued Saunders.

The driver plowed over a mailbox, and crashed into the pole. It's the fifth time someone has taken out Elma DeRamus's mailbox.

"I'm hoping we can get a speed bump out here," said DeRamus. "To slow them up because 25 mph (speed limit) means nothing. They run the stop sign sometimes."

Power was restored to all affected homes by noon.

DUI crash leaves hundreds without power in Petersburg

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