PORTAGE  (WKZO) -- Portage Police are blaming alcohol as a possible cause for a Saturday afternoon crash that tied up traffic on Oakland Drive and killed one of the suspect driver’s two dogs.

The 35-year-old driver lost control of his SUV in the 9000 Block of Oakland Drive in southern Portage just before 5PM Saturday, striking a tree with enough force to knock it over into the roadway. It took nearly two hours to clear the debris and reopen the road.

One of the two dogs on board died from injuries suffered in the crash.

The driver was admitted to Bronson Methodist in fair condition.  Charges may be pending.