A Panora man was charged with operating while intoxicated – first offense after a vehicle incident last week.

According to the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, 40-year-old Mark Lawrence Buster was driving a Ford F150 northeast on Panorama Drive between Jule and Lonna drives at about 11 p.m. on January 11th. He failed to negotiate a curve and drove straight off the road, striking a tree and a light pole. A Sheriff’s Deputy investigated the scene where the vehicle was considered to be totaled. Damage to the light pole and speed limit sign was estimated at $500. Buster didn’t seek medical attention on scene for possible minor injuries to his head, neck, and back. He was subsequently charged with a serious misdemeanor for an OWI after blowing a .210 blood alcohol content level. He was also cited for failure to maintain control.