A Smithton woman has been formally charged with a felony for leaving the scene of a traffic accident involving a utility pole earlier this year in Pettis County.
A probable-cause statement says Pettis County deputies responded to a report of an electric utility pole being knocked down and impeding both lanes of traffic in the 31400 block of Overstreet Road on February 6.
Deputies arrived at the scene and blocked the roadway until electric technicians arrived to fix the pole and restore power. During the clean up, deputies were informed that the pole reportedly was struck by 46-year-old Maria Diaz. Deputies later spoke with Diaz who reportedly admitted to striking the pole and left the scene to go to work. Diaz reportedly stated she had a cell phone in the vehicle, but did not report the accident due to it being too dark outside to see where her phone was at the time.
Online court documents say Diaz has been charged with a Class E Felony for Property Damage in the First Degree. Bond has not been set.
An arraignment hearing for Diaz is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, at Pettis County Circuit Court.