Prescription Meds Lead To Lake Elsinore Crash, Power Outage, Police Say

A Lake Elsinore driver who crashed into a power pole, causing a street closure and loss of electricity to area businesses and residents Thursday, was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of prescription meds, it was reported today.

Michelle Dawson, 32, crashed her vehicle into an Edison service pole shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday. The crash occurred at Lake Street, just north of Lakeshore Drive.

“The force of the collision downed the pole and resulted in a loss of power to approximately 1,600 residents,” according to a Lake Elsinore Police Department news release.

Edison crews were able to restore power around 10 p.m. Thursday, but Lake Street was closed across all lanes initially for public safety due to downed live electrical wires.

“The Lake Elsinore Police Department urges all drivers who require prescription medication to be very cognizant of the warnings provided by the drug manufacturers related to operating heavy equipment or driving motor vehicles,” the news release stated. “The department also recommends candid discussions between drivers and their prescribing physicians about the possible side effects of pain-killing medication and muscle relaxing medication, upon the ability to safety operate a vehicle.”

Note: Special thanks to Alan Verdoorn for posting photos of the crash scene.