Driver hits utility pole during police chase; Northside Drive reopens

Traffic on southbound Northside Drive at 10th Street was shut down Wednesday for about two hours after a man drove into a utility pole while trying to elude police, authorities said.

The 47-year-old drove away after seeing marked patrol vehicles pulling into a gas station at Hemphill Street and 14th Street, Atlanta police Officer Lisa Bender said. The officers saw a car with a stolen tag in that area.

The driver was caught a short distance away after running from 978 Northside Drive, where he hit the pole, police said. He was taken to Grady Detention Center.

“The suspect struck several vehicles during this incident,” Bender said. “No additional injuries were reported.”

Seven vehicles were damaged by a driver fleeing police, according to Channel 2 Action News.

The suspect has multiple warrants, and additional charges are pending, according to police.