Driver fleeing officers crashes, shears utility pole in half, police say

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GASTONIA, N.C. — A busy road in Gastonia was shut down for hours after a police chase led to a crash that took out a utility pole.

Officers told Channel 9 that the wreck happened around 4 a.m. on Highway 321 southbound near Third Avenue.

The driver crashed into a utility pole, shearing off the bottom of the pole.

Police have not yet said what started the chase or what charges the driver will face.