Drunken driver crashes into traffic light pole, police say

A Cottage Grove man who crashed into a traffic light pole is suspected of fifth-offense operating while intoxicated, according to a release from Madison police.

A witness saw a car crash into the traffic light pole at East Washington Avenue and East Springs Drive early Monday morning and followed the car to a parking lot near East Towne Mall, according to police.

Police said the witness explained the situation to an officer in the area who contacted the driver of the car involved in the crash and determined the driver was drunk.

Chad A. Hojnacki, 32, was arrested on suspicion of fifth-offense operating while intoxicated.