Alcohol maybe factor in Thursday wreck

Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in an accident Thursday in which an allegedly unlicensed driver struck two vehicles, a light pole, fire hydrant and sign while driving down the wrong side of the road and on the sidewalk.

Josh Harper, 23, was treated and released from Renown Regional Medical Center after being taken by helicopter following the 3 p.m. accident.

Sheriff Ken Furlong said a preliminary alcohol test indicated Harper may have been under the influence, but it won't be certain until blood test results are in.

Harper was northbound on Carson Street in a Ford F150 extended cab pickup when he crossed the center line, struck a wall, sideswiped a southbound vehicle on its passenger side, then drove a block down the southbound sidewalk where he also hit a light pole, fire hydrant and truck as it waited to pull into traffic. The Ford was stopped by a large steel sign at the Evergreen Center.

Firefighters spent nearly an hour cutting off both driver's side doors, and the roof of the cab, to remove Harper from the driver seat.

He was conscious and alert while the crews worked.

The accident blocked traffic on Carson City's main for nearly two hours.

Furlong said deputies have since discovered Harper does not have a valid license. The vehicle is owned by his mother.

It's not clear what impact Harper's driving status will have on the insurance carried on the vehicle, said Furlong.

Harper was cited for failure to maintain a single lane, driving on the wrong side of the road and driving without a valid license. Further charges area expected pending the outcome of the blood test, said Furlong.