By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Crashes cause power to go out, driver arrested for OWI
accident

MONROE — A hit-and-run driver was arrested Sunday for drunken driving after crashing his vehicle three separate times in the city, with one crash injuring a woman and another causing a power outage, according to the Monroe Police Department.

Ronald B. Babler, 76, Monroe, was arrested and jailed on a first-offense charge of operating while intoxicated and a charge of operating while intoxicated causing injury. He was also cited for hit and run and for having open intoxicants in a vehicle.

According to a release from Monroe police, Babler drove off from a two-vehicle crash at about 6:45 p.m. at 6th Street and 8th Avenue.

The other driver, a 48-year-old Darlington woman, was left with minor injuries and transported by Green County EMS. Her vehicle sustained moderate damage.

Babler then collided with a utility pole at 8th Avenue and 8th Street and drove off again. This crash caused local power outages nearby, including traffic lights to stop working temporarily.

Officers located Babler, along with his severely damaged vehicle, after he collided with a second utility pole at 13th Avenue and 9th Street. He was jailed pending court.