A Summerfield man was arrested on DUI charges after deputies say he crashed into a utility pole, bringing down power lines that caused a second crash involving a motorcyclist early Wednesday morning in Summerfield.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 6:05 a.m. to the area of SE 100th Avenue in Summerfield after receiving reports of a crash and a power outage. Investigators found a vehicle driven by Kevin Daniel Burge, 38, off the east side of the roadway in the woods. A power pole had been snapped in half, leaving power lines stretched across the road.
Deputies said a second motorist, identified as Jeremy Salas, was riding a motorcycle when he struck the downed power lines and crashed. Salas suffered injuries to his left arm along with cuts and abrasions to his wrist. His motorcycle was also damaged.
Investigators reported that Burge showed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and difficulty maintaining his balance. He agreed to perform field sobriety exercises, during which deputies documented multiple clues of impairment. Breath samples later registered .184 and .179, more than twice the legal limit.
After being advised of his rights, Burge reportedly told deputies he had been drinking Mike’s Hard Lemonade while working an overnight shift at a Circle K store. Deputies said he initially reported consuming four drinks before later stating he had consumed six during the course of his shift.
The crash caused an estimated $20,000 in damage to SECO Energy infrastructure, along with approximately $1,000 in damage to Comcast equipment and another $1,000 in damage to a nearby fence, according to the arrest report.
Burge was charged with two counts of DUI with property damage or personal injury.
