Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — An off-duty Presque Isle police officer was struck by a van while jogging as he came off Carmichael St. and attempted to cross North St.
According to the Presque Isle Police Department’s log, the accident occurred on Aug. 19 at approximately 6:43 p.m. as Chris Hayes, of Presque Isle, was running south on Carmichael St. and attempted to enter the crosswalk on North St. when he was struck by a westbound 1998 Dodge Caravan operated by Pamela S. Thompson-Henderson, of Presque Isle. Thompson-Henderson told Officer Lynn Hartley, PIPD, that she did not see Hayes, who was struck by the passenger side of her vehicle.
Crown Ambulance and the Presque Isle Fire Department responded to the scene. Hayes, who suffered several broken bones and a possible concussion, was transported by Crown to The Aroostook Medical Center and later transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor by air.
Henderson was not injured but was reportedly very distraught. Her vehicle was towed by Beaulieu’s Garage of Caribou. Officials indicated they don’t believe drugs or alcohol were a factor.
“This was just an unfortunate accident,” said Chief Naldo Gagnon, PIPD, who indicated no charges are pending.
Officers from other law enforcement agencies assisted Hartley with the investigation. The accident was reconstructed by Maine State Police Trooper Rob Flynn, who was assisted by Officer Ross McQuade, PIPD, and Sgt. Shawn Newell, Fort Fairfield Police Department.
Hayes sustained breaks in two places to both his left arm and left leg. He has since undergone at least three surgeries to repair the damage, including one that lasted approximately nine hours. Friends and family, including members of the PIPD, have made the trip to Bangor to visit Hayes, who is reported to be in good spirits and doing well, considering the extent of his injuries.
The PIPD has been providing regular updates on Hayes’s condition, via Facebook postings. A ‘care package,’ including hand-held computerized games, videos and get-well cards collected at the PIPD, was picked by his wife, Jessica Hayes, who thanked everyone for their generosity and kind words.
“Thank you for all your support. Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts, prayers and generosity,” said Jessica Hayes, in a PIPD online update.
Friends and family who’ve made the trip to see Hayes have also posted online how remarkably well he’s doing and that his sense of humor is very much intact. His wife confirmed it with her latest posting.
“Chris has convinced the nurses that the only way he can take his pain medication is crushed up and mixed in ice cream — 3 times a day!!!” she said.
The couple are hoping the surgeries will soon come to an end and the journey to recovery will begin.
“His fourth and hopefully final surgery will be tomorrow,” said Jessica Hayes. Operations to date have included the placement of metal plates and pins to help repair the broken bones in his arm and leg.
Hayes is expected to be unable to work for several weeks and possibly months, as he continues to recover. Once home, he’ll undergo several weeks of physical therapy.
“We don’t expect him back to work for several months,” said Gagnon. “He’s been dedicated to physical fitness, so I’m sure that will help in the healing process, but it will still take time.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT officers helped promote Special Olympics of Maine earlier this year, hitting the pavement on foot and by bike as they took part in the annual Torch Run. Pictured, from left: Sgt. Shawn Newell, Fort Fairfield Police Department (who was with the Presque Isle Police Department at the time of the run), and Officer Chris Hayes, PIPD. Hayes is currently undergoing treatment for injuries he sustained last week when he was struck by a vehicle as he attempted to cross North St.
