Battle Ground crash results in fire and downed power pole

By Will Campbell, Columbian Associate Editor

Published: August 22, 2017, 5:42pm

Officials suspect high speeds resulted in William Catron crashing his vehicle in Battle Ground on Tuesday. (Courtesy of Clark Co. Fire Dist. 3)

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a collision and fire in Battle Ground that downed a power pole and snapped lines.

Emergency crews responded to a call at about 1:40 p.m. Tuesday at 21100 N.E. 167th Ave. in Battle Ground, according to reports from the sheriff’s office and Clark County Fire District 3.

Reports state that the driver, William R. Catron, 24, lost control of his car and crashed into the power pole, which snapped lines, sparking and catching the surrounding grass field on fire. About a half-acre was burned before firefighters doused the flames.

Deputies cited Catron for driving with a suspended driver’s license. Catron suffered minor injuries and was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.

According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, excessive speed is believed to have contributed to the crash.

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