Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Two ATV operators were injured in accidents last week — on in a Wednesday crash at the intersection of Fort Rd. and State Street Extension, and the other as the result of an accident on South Main St. that occurred on Friday. The Presque Isle Police Department received a call at about 6:54 a.m. on Oct. 28 reporting a crash had occurred at the intersection of Fort Rd. and State Street extension involving an automobile and an ATV.
“The parties involved were Jonathan Lopez, of Caribou, and Peggy Campbell, from Fort Fairfield. Jonathan was driving a dirt bike. Peggy was driving a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica,” said Peter Johnson, investigating officer, PIPD.
According to Johnson, Lopez was traveling east on the Fort Rd. Campbell was traveling west of the Fort Rd.
“At the intersection of the Fort Rd. and State Street Extension, Mrs. Campbell turned on her blinker indicating a left turn onto State Street Extension. Mrs. Campbell came to a complete stop on the Fort Rd. to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass,” said Johnson.
Johnson said once the vehicle had passed, Campbell started her turn.
“She was approximately halfway into the eastbound lane of the Fort Rd. when she and Lopez collided,” he said.
Lopez was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center for injuries sustained to his left leg. Campbell reported no injuries.
“The dirt bike was a total loss, while the Pacifica sustained approximately $1,500 in damage,” said Johnson.
Friday’s accident was similar in nature.
“On Oct. 30 at approximately 3:14 p.m. the PIPD received a report of a motor vehicle accident on South Main St. near the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus. Lois Levasseur, 46, of Fort Fairfield, was attempting to turn north onto Main St. from a private driveway. She was operating a 2004 four-door Pontiac. Thomas Deschesne, 32, of Woodland, was operating a 2008 two-wheel Honda all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on the edge of the roadway (on Main St.) traveling south, against the flow of traffic,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley, investigating officer, PIPD.
Seeley said Levasseur attempted to turn onto Main St. and did not see the ATV traveling south.
“As Ms. Levasseur pulled into traffic, Mr. Deschesne struck the front of Levasseur’s vehicle, ejecting him from the ATV,” said Seeley.
Deschesne, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center by Crown Ambulance where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Levasseur, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured.
“Levasseur’s vehicle sustained approximately $2,500 in damage, while Deschesne’s ATV sustained approximately $500 in damages,” said Seeley.
Also assisting at the scene were Officer Roger Ellis and the Presque Isle Fire Department.
No charges are pending. Deschesne, who’s license was reportedly suspended at the time of the accident, was given a warning for operating after suspension and advised he was not allowed to drive an ATV along the edge of the road to reach an ATV trail.
