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Driver Allegedly Tells CHP He Was 'On His Way To North Pole To See Santa Claus' After West Sonoma County Crash

SEBASTOPOL (CBS SF) -- An allegedly intoxicated driver who crashed into a power pole in West Sonoma County told CHP officers he was on his way to the North Pole to see Santa Claus.

Lanes in both directions of Bodega Highway in Sonoma County were reopened Sunday morning after the car crashed into a pole, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers responded to a report of the crash on Bodega Highway near Bohemian Highway shortly before 4 a.m., CHP officials said.

Patrol officers were unable to immediately get to the vehicle because downed power lines were in the way, according to the CHP.

22-year old Jeffrey Ainsworth of Sebastopol "related to the officers that he was on his way to the North Pole to see Santa Claus," the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Ainsworth was booked on multiple charges, including driving without a license, and had to be subdued by multiple people after getting into a fight with a CHP officer.

CHP officials said they notified PG&E of the downed lines.

A Sig-alert was issued at 4:45 a.m. and the lanes reopened shortly before 8 a.m., CHP officials said.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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