The Washington State Patrol says that an accident that had knocked out power for a large portion of Central and some of the east county yesterday late afternoon was caused by distracted driving. The report does not state what type of distracted driving, and there are no charges for using a cell phone while driving included.

The Accident occurred on February 5th, 2019 at 3:58 pm just before 4 on State Route 12 around mile marker 4 just west of the Central Park Fire Station. 

A Maroon 1999 Chevrolet Suburban Suv had been traveling eastbound State Route 12 at Pioneer Road driven by a 62-year-old Aberdeen man.  The driver took his eyes off the road and the vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck the guardrail and a power pole. The vehicle continued about 80 yards and came to rest against a tree at the bottom of a small ravine.

Initial radio traffic had indicated that the driver had fled on foot, and a k9 officer requested, however, it was later determined that all involved were at the scene and no one had fled.

According to the report, along with the driver, there were 2 passengers both who were transported for possible injuries (A 58-year-old Ocean Shores man and a 27-year-old Aberdeen woman).

The Washington State Patrol says that the driver is being charged with negligent driving 2nd degree.