A 79-year-classic man is in police custody after losing control of his vehicle and colliding with a utility pole in Saramon, Gers, on Monday evening, February 16th. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM local time, as the driver was reportedly returning home.
According to police reports, the man exhibited signs of intoxication at the scene. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.94 grams per liter of blood, significantly exceeding the legal limit in France. He was immediately taken into custody for further investigation.
The driver sustained minor injuries in the crash and was treated by emergency services. The extent of the damage to the utility pole is currently unknown, but authorities are assessing the impact on local power supply.
This incident comes as French authorities continue to grapple with the issue of drunk driving. Just last week, a similar case in the Gers department highlighted the dangers of impaired driving, with another driver found to be operating a vehicle with a dangerously high blood alcohol level.
The investigation is ongoing, and the 79-year-old man is expected to face legal charges related to driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. He is currently being held in police custody pending a hearing.
Meanwhile, a separate search is underway in the Occitanie region for Alain Picavet, likewise 79 years old, who has been missing since February 12th. Gendarmerie in the Hautes-Pyrénées department are appealing for public assistance in locating Picavet, who was last seen leaving his home in Monfaucon on foot at approximately 7:15 AM. Authorities have released a description of Picavet, noting he is 1.70 meters tall, thin, with white hair and a white beard, and was last seen wearing the clothing featured in a released photograph. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Vic en Bigorre brigade at 05 62 34 81 92 or dial 17.