Impact with utility pole in Santa Rosa sparks brush fire; driver arrested on suspicion of drunk driving

A woman who drove her car into a power pole in Santa Rosa on Monday afternoon, causing a brush fire, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said.

At around 3 p.m., police and firefighters were dispatched to Bellevue Avenue, just west of Moorland Avenue, after a Chevrolet Malibu collided with a PG&E utility pole. The force of the impact caused the utility pole to fall, causing live power lines to ignite a small brush fire. PG&E shut down the lines and firefighters extinguished the fire before any buildings were damaged.

Police say the driver of the car, 22-year-old Alyssa Metzger of Santa Rosa, originally provided a false name and date of birth.

The officer also allegedly determined that the original identification information provided by Metzger was that of a real person who could potentially be held liable for the crime, police said.

Because Metzger was suspected of being drunk, she was subjected to a breathalyzer test. The police assume that she was driving under the influence of alcohol. While trying to hold Metzger in handcuffs, the police claim that she constantly fought with the police officer and tried to break free.

Metzger was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail. He is charged with drunk driving, identity fraud and resisting arrest. As of Tuesday evening, Metzger is being held on $50,000 bail.

The intersection was closed until about midnight while PG&E repaired the damaged power pole and lines.