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CMPD: Driver reaching for coffee crashes into power pole uptown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police have blocked Dalton Avenue in uptown after a car crashed into a power pole, bringing down lines across the road early Tuesday morning.

Dalton was shut down between Graham Street and Tryon Street because of the wreck, which happened just after 6 a.m.

Duke Energy says there are three businesses without power because of the damage but says the repairs should be done and power should be restored by 1 p.m.

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MEDIC said the driver was taken to Carolinas Medical Center with minor injuries.

Police told Channel 9 that the driver crashed while reaching for a cup of coffee. Police said he would not be ticketed.

The lines also came down across a parking lot at a refrigeration company, and draped over a silver SUV parked there.

The driver was trapped in his vehicle for about 30 minutes until the power was turned off. He was OK.

Employees who work near the area said they were surprised one wreck could cause so much damage.

"When I got in, they let me know to go around and I came in the backside," Kelly Dugan explained. "I knew there was one pole damaged. I didn't realize there was three, so it's going to be a while before it's fixed."

Dalton Avenue between North Tryon and Graham Street remained closed during the morning commute.

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