South Tryon closed for hours after car slams into utility pole

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police had to close a busy section of South Tryon Street early Thursday morning after a car slammed into a utility pole.

The crash happened around 4:45 a.m. on South Tryon near Camden Road.

No power outages were being reported in the area but officials said the road would be closed in both directions until crews could remove the Dodge Charger and replace the pole.

Olajuwon Carithers, the driver of the Charger, has been cited for driving with a revoked license, officials said. He was not hurt. Officials said Carithers lost control of the car and slammed into the pole.

Officials were able to remove the barriers and reopen the road just before 12:30 p.m.

Investigators have not said what caused the crash but said part of the reason clean-up took so long was because the car was holding the pole up, keeping it from falling.

Police are working to find out what other factors may have led up to the crash but Carithers wasn't injured.

Neighbors said the impact woke them up from their sleep and they are surprised to hear everyone is OK.

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