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Driver Escapes Serious Injury After Vehicle Strikes Pole, Downs Power Lines in DeKalb County

By: Charlotte Burke • February 4, 2026 • DeKalb County, IN
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photo courtesy of DeKalb County Sheriff's Office

(DEKALB COUNTY) - A driver was taken to the hospital as a precaution Tuesday afternoon after his vehicle left the roadway, struck a utility pole, and brought down live power lines in rural DeKalb County.

The crash happened around 1:30 p.m. on February 3 in the 4100 block of County Road 50, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say the driver, identified as 77-year-old Paul VanLeuven of Auburn, was traveling eastbound when his Jeep Wrangler veered off the south side of the roadway for reasons still under investigation. The vehicle struck a mailbox before slamming into a power pole, causing power lines to fall onto the Jeep.

VanLeuven was transported by Parkview EMS to a local hospital to be checked out. Authorities reported no serious injuries.

The Jeep, a 2007 Wrangler, sustained heavy damage and was declared a total loss.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Jackson Township Fire Department, Central Communications, and Parkview EMS. The crash remains under investigation.