Police Charge Driver Who Hit Pole in Front of Middle School with DUI

Updated Wednesday, 10:47 a.m.

Police have charged the man whose car hit a utility pole across the street from Lincoln Middle School Tuesday night – as a children's concert was letting out – with driving under the influence.

Meriden Police arrested Owen Kelly, 35, of 561 Alan Ave., and charged him with driving under the influence and reckless driving Tuesday night, after his grey Jeep Cherokee allegedly grazed a utility pole on Centennial Ave. and then rolled up the curb, according to Sgt. Peter Owen. Some witnesses say the car then hit a fire hydrant, but Sgt. Owen could not confirm that on scene.

The accident caused significant damage to the tires and front end of the car, and shaved some wood from the pole. No one was injured, police said.

The accident happened at around 8 p.m, as a holiday concert at Lincoln was letting out, Sgt. Owen said. Many of the parents and children had just begun to filter from the building, some crossing the street to their cars. Several witnessed the accident.

Lincoln Middle School parent Gina Pellegrino said she was walking to her car with her daughter when she saw the car hit a hydrant and heard what sounded like an explosion. She called 911.

"It was so scary – the concert had just gotten out and two minutes later so many more would cross," Pellegrino said. "There were two people walking on the sidewalk that were quite shaken up."