D.C. neighborhood without power after police chase
A police chase led to a lot of frustration in a Northeast D.C. neighborhood when a vehicle slammed into a power pole and caused numerous power outages. The event unfolded in the 4500 block of Douglas Street, Northeast on Friday.
Lavette Morgan, who lives on the street, told us, "As soon as I heard the boom, the lights went out."
So there were more power problems for Pepco customers, but this time it wasn't lightning or a violent wind storm. Instead, it was a single vehicle hit-and-run.
Resident Vera Merkerson said, "I think this was very dangerous. You don't know whose kids could have been out here... It's very scary."
In fact, on a Friday summer afternoon when playing children normally surround the Northeast D.C. neighborhood an out of control Ford Mercury came careening down the street. Fortunately, no one was injured, but dozens of homes were left without power.
"Just sit out here and fight the bugs," said resident Mildred Hastings.
Police say a young suspect was recklessly driving an unregistered and possibly stolen vehicle through this neighborhood when he lost control and plowed into this utility pole.
Resident Mishonda Mosley said, "I could see the windshield... I don't know how they ran, they should be injured."
Mosley was shaken by the powerful impact. She quickly ran outside and called 9-1-1, but as she dialed she realized no one was in the smashed up car. The driver has already taken off on foot.
"I was walking and said oh wow, I don't even think it has a license plate on the back," said Mosley.
These residents already lost power last week because of storms, and now they have lost it due to a police chase.
After having surgery and spending two days in the hospital, Vera Merkerson was forced to spend a long day with her children in a dark, hot home.
Merkeson asked, "My food goes bad, who is going to pay for it?"
Police are still looking for the driver. The car is at an impound lot where it will be searched for clues this weekend.
The Pepco customers got their power back after nine hours and are praising Pepco because they know the outage was out of its control.
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