The city of Ocala is seeking over $5,000 in damages and court costs from a Summerfield man to cover the cost of a power pole that he allegedly crashed into.
The lawsuit was filed in small claims court for Marion County in September against John Wesley Rubin, who is a resident of Summerfield.
According to the statement of claim, on June 17, 2023, Rubin allegedly crashed his vehicle into a power pole located along the 700 block of NE 58th Avenue/Baseline Road.
The original police report indicates that Rubin was driving a 2013 Ford F150 pickup truck northbound on Baseline Road, just north of County Road 314. Rubin allegedly traveled onto the east shoulder, and the front of the pickup truck collided with a fence before striking the utility power pole.
The vehicle came to final rest facing northeast, against the power pole.
After the incident, city staff was called to the scene to replace the pole and restore power.
According to supporting documentation, the city sent correspondence to Rubin indicating the city had “repaired” the damage and was “seeking recovery of all expenses incurred.”
The city is seeking $4,711.55 along with $300 for court costs. A summons has been issued in the case as of September 20.
