Just before 8:30 pm on Saturday, April 24th, Galesburg Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Mary Street for an accident involving a vehicle striking a utility pole. When police arrived, the 2011 Mercedes had its front wheel up off the ground and the pole was lodged halfway through the front of the car. Live power lines were severed and the neighborhood was without power for several hours. The driver, 27-year old Kole Kenan of Galesburg told police he was texting at the time of the crash. Police observed Kenan’s slow speech and “droopy” eyes, and witnesses told GPD he threw a cup from the vehicle at one point, according to police reports. An empty vodka bottle was located in the center console of the car. Kenan fell asleep while officers were transporting him to the Public Safety Building where the majority of a field sobriety test was conducted. The test showed numerous signs of impairment, and Kenan refused to provide a breath sample. Kenan was charged with DUI-Alcohol, Operating an Uninsured Vehicle, Aggravated DUI – No Insurance, Failure to Reduce Speed, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, and Cellphone Use While Driving.
