Driver claims she smashed into a Cambridge utility pole because she was looking at her GPS, but police say it might have been the barbiturates she was on

Cambridge Police report arresting a Lakeville woman on a variety of charges yesterday afternoon after a crash that knocked down a utility pole on Prospect Street and caused "a substantial power outage" in the area.

Police say Ami Begin, 38, of Lakeville, told police she plowed into the pole because "she was looking down at the GPS on her phone." But, police continued:

Begin also admitted that she had been dosed with phenobarbital earlier in the day. Officers observed that Begin had pinpoint pupils, slow slurred speech, and she was unsteady on her feet. Begin voluntarily submitted to roadside assessments in order to determine if she could safely drive. During the assessments, Begin showed signs of impairment that would limit her ability to operate a motor vehicle. Begin was then informed that she was being placed under arrest for OUI Drugs. A subsequent inventory of Begin's motor vehicle yielded a quantity of prescription drugs, marijuana and paraphernalia.

Begin was ultimately charged with operating under the influence of drugs, reckless operation, unsafe operation, possession of Class B and E drugs and not having a valid inspection sticker.

She is also being issued a City Ordinance violation for possessing an open container of marijuana in her vehicle.

Innocent, etc.