Barrington man nabbed for DWI after crash into pole

The Wrangle caught fire after hitting the telephone pole. (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Barrington man was arrested for DWI after the vehicle he was driving crashed near Tara Estates on Salmon Falls Road on Wednesday night.

According to police, Richard Wilkins, 49, of 68 Brooks Road in Barrington, was driving a 2007 Jeep Wrangler northbound around 6:40 p.m. when it crashed into a telephone pole, breaking it in half.

Wilkins suffered minor injuries in the crash, and his vehicle’s airbags were deployed. After careening into the pole the Jeep Wrangler caught fire. It had to be towed from the scene.

Salmon Falls Road was closed to traffic in the area much of the night while utility crews repaired the pole.

Wilkins was subsequently arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.  He was bailed on $1,500 Personal Recognizance and given a court date in December. 

With the holiday season upon us Rochester Police are asking all drivers to use a designated driver or a taxi when out celebrating. 

The Rochester Police are asking anyone who may have information that could assist with this investigation to call Officer Seckendorf at the Rochester Police Department at 330-7128. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.