Impaired driver charged after downtown crash damages bus shelter, hydro pole

A 49-year-old Winnipeg man is facing an impaired driving charge after a crash that caused extensive property damage in downtown Winnipeg on Sunday morning.

Winnipeg police said officers responded around 9:30 a.m. to the intersection of Balmoral Street and Sargent Avenue, where a 2005 Ford Mustang had struck a bus shelter, a Manitoba Hydro pole and a City of Winnipeg traffic signal box, bringing down a hydro line.

Police believe the vehicle was travelling eastbound on Sargent at a high rate of speed before attempting to turn onto Balmoral, losing control and coming to rest with its front wheels suspended off the ground.

No injuries were reported.

Police said the driver showed signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested at the scene. He has been charged with operation of a conveyance while impaired and was released on an appearance notice.