Boy shocked by downed power lines after driver strikes utility pole

SHEBOYGAN CO. (WITI) -- An 8-year-old boy was shocked by downed power lines on Thursday evening, July 11th, after a possible drunk driver crashed into a power pole.

When the victim's grandmother, Anna Blanke, went outside she found the boy on her front lawn where he had been playing.

"He's a strong little boy. He never cried. The whole time he never cried," said Blanke.

Authorities say 64-year-old John Krizenesky was driving down County Highway EH in the Town of Rhine when he crashed into a utility pole, causing the wires to fall. The victim was playing in the grass below as the wires snapped and whipped him several times.

"His left arm is burnt, 2nd and 3rd degree burns. The electricity came out of his right hip, so that is also burnt," explained Blanke.

The victim was taken by Flight for Life to Children's Hospital in Milwaukee. After surgery on Friday morning, July 12th, doctors said they expect the boy make a full recovery.

Deputies say alcohol was a factor in the accident. Krizenesky was taken into custody and cited for operating a motor vehicle and causing injury. Being his first offense, the driver was released a short time later.

Krizenesky also happens to be a close friend of the family.

"It could happen to anyone," said Blanke. "It's just an unfortunate accident."

Police took a blood-alcohol sample at the scene, but will not have the results for at least two weeks.