Driver crashes into two utility poles trying to avoid cat

The minivan sustained major damage and had to be towed. (Rochester Police photo)

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect time for the accident described below. The Rochester Voice apologizes for the error.

ROCHESTER - A Rochester man was injured on Saturday when his minivan struck two utility poles trying to avoid a cat on Portland Street.

The single-car crash occurred around 11:15 p.m. in the area of 337 Portland St. when a 2005 Dodge Caravan driven by William Hughes, 37, was travelling South on Portland Street and swerved to avoid a cat in the roadway, according to a press release from police.

Hughes struck one telephone pole then another after skidding about 20 feet.

Both telephone poles were damaged and had to be replaced. Hughes suffered what were described as minor, nonlife threatening injuries and refused EMS treatment on scene.

There was significant damage to the Dodge and it had to be towed from the scene.

There was no information immediately available on the fate of the cat.

Hughes was charged with failure to obey inspection requirements. If anyone has any information regarding this collision they are asked to contact Officer Turgeon at the Rochester Police Department at (603)330-7128.