Powerless in Pine Lake: Rhinelander man cited after high-speed crash

Nearly 700 Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) customers in the town of Pine Lake lost power the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 19, as the result of a one-vehicle crash in the town of Pine Lake.

According to the accident report filed by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Kaleb Ian Wells, 25, Rhinelander, was traveling southbound on River Road driving a 2005 Buick LeSabre sedan when he began operating off the road and on its west shoulder.

When the Buick left the road, it struck and knocked over a mailbox, a WPS power pole and another mailbox before striking a tree.

The report’s narrative states Wells was operating the LeSabre at “extreme speeds and over corrected after proceeding off the roadway.”

After the vehicle “completed its path of travel,” Wells, the only occupant in the vehicle, left the scene, didn’t notify law enforcement and neither did a friend who picked him up.

“Wells was stopped by law enforcement and questioned about the incident prior to being transported by private vehicle,” the report said. “Wells advised he did not remember how fast he was going nor did he remember having his seat belt fastened.” 

The report said there were “individuals outside their residences at the time of the accident” and there was damage to the front bumper of a vehicle parked near the path the Wells vehicle took.

Authorities were told Wells “was leaving a friends house and apparently left in a very emotional state” and was said to be frustrated and angry” after leaving the residence.

Witnesses told law enforcement Wells “has crashed numerous vehicles recently and is reported to have been driving recklessly and while emotionally perturbed.”

He was issued five citations, among them failure to notify police of the accident and failure to keep the vehicle under control.

Wells was also cited for unreasonable and imprudent speed, reckless driving and for failure to wear a seat belt. 

Matt Cullen, a spokesperson for WPS, said as a result of the crash, there was a power outage “just after 1 o’clock that affected a total of 687 customers.” 

“We had crews that responded and they were able to replace that pole that was damaged in the accident,” he said. “They also had to do some repairs to a power line.”

Cullen said power was restored shortly after 5 p.m. on Oct. 19. 

Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected].