Main Street accidents keep PIPD officers busy
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The morning of March 2 got off to a busy start for members of the Presque Isle Police Department. Officers responded to two Main Street accidents between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. within a block of each other.
The first accident was reported around 8:35 a.m. and involved a head-on collision between a pick-up truck and a car.
“Officers Rob Thibeault and Kevin Reed, of the PIPD, came upon a head-on motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Main and State streets. Investigation revealed 65-year-old James Dyer, of Presque Isle, had suffered an unknown medical condition while driving south on Main St.,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley, PIPD.
According to Seeley, Dyer’s 2008 Chevy pickup crossed over the center line into the northbound lane, traveled through the State St. intersection and struck head-on into a 1994 Ford sedan being operated by 54-year-old Robert Defarges, of Madawaska.
“Defarges was stopped at a red light at the time of the accident,” said Seeley.
Dyer reportedly came to after the crash.
“Dyer was conscious and alert after the accident and was transported by Crown Ambulance to The Aroostook Medical Center for non-life-threatening complications,” Seeley said.
Both Dyer and Defarges were reported to be wearing their seatbelts, which prevented serious injury to either party.
“Neither were seriously injured as a result of the collision,” said Seeley.
The Presque Isle Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
Defarges’ vehicle sustained approximately $5,000 in damages, while Dyer’s vehicle sustained about $500 in damages, said Seeley.
Thibeault served as primary investigator of the crash, which remains under investigation.
A second accident occurred a few hours later involving a car and pedestrian.
“At approximately 12:18 p.m., the PIPD received a call of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Academy and Main streets,” said Seeley.
Seeley said Derik Smith, 37, of Presque Isle, was traveling west on Academy St. in a 2009 Toyota four-door when the accident occurred.
“Smith had stopped at the red light and was attempting to turn right on red. Ruth Corapi, 74, of Presque Isle, was walking south on the sidewalk on Main St. and had stepped out into the roadway to cross Academy St. in marked crosswalk (with signal),” he said.
Smith reportedly told police he did not see the woman and began to make his turn.
“Smith did not see Corapi and as his vehicle started moving forward, it struck her, knocking her to the ground,” said Seeley.
Corapi was transported by Crown Ambulance to TAMC, where she was treated for a broken ankle.
“Smith was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. His vehicle sustained no damage,” said Seeley, who served as primary investigator of the accident, assisted by Thibeault and Maine State Trooper Brian Harris.
The PIFD responded and assisted at the scene as well.
