The Oshkosh Police Department arrested a 27-year-old male for operating while intoxicated and causing great bodily harm after he struck a utility pole near the police station March 25.

At 3:35 a.m., officers responded to a crash on Division Street and discovered the vehicle had left the roadway with four occupants in the car.

A 29-year-old male passenger was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment of severe injuries, but nobody else in the vehicle was hurt.

The Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit assisted OPD at the scene of the accident and Division Street between Church Avenue and West Parkway Avenue was closed during the investigation.

OPD Public Affairs and Crime Prevention Officer Kate Mann said in a press release that accidents involving impaired driving can have long-lasting impacts such as causing severe injuries, lifelong medical needs and preventable loss.

“The Oshkosh Police Department urges everyone to plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a rideshare or taxi, or call a friend or family member,” Mann said. “By planning ahead, your decision could prevent an accident or save a life. If you see a suspected impaired driver, please report it to local law enforcement.”