Driver Cited for Texting When Car Crashes into Pole

The driver whose car which crashed into a utility pole, snapping it in half on King Street faces a variety of charges including fleeing the scene of an accident and distracted driving.

According to a Greenwich Police report, Greenwich police, fire and EMS were called to 1233 King St. shortly after 10 p.m. July 31 for a reported motor vehicle with injuries. When personnel arrived, they found a utility pole snapped in half and electrical wires atop the vehicle. However, the driver and an occupant had fled, according to the report.

The passenger returned and said he was driving the vehicle. However, police determined the passenger's boss was the driver who was identified as Timothy C. Clinton, 50, of 1233 King St., Greenwich. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, evading responsibility, reading an electronic device while driving, distracted driver, faulure to signal and unsafe movement. He was released after posting $500 bond and is scheduled to appear Aug. 10 in state Superior Court in Stamford.

The passenger—and Clinton's employee—was identified as John M. Perella, 44, of 1235 King St., Greenwich. He was charged with interfering with a police investigation and released on a promise to appear Aug. 8 in state Superior Court in Stamford.