Driver plows curb from ground after striking signs

8 years ago

     CARIBOU, Maine — A vehicle went airborne and caused extensive damage in the downtown mall parking lot after the driver hit an island at the intersection of Hatch and Main Streets early Saturday evening.

     According to a State of Maine Crash Report, Matthew Skidgel, 28, of Caribou was heading north on Main Street and struck an island after leaving the roadway to the left. The vehicle then “left the ground, clearing the first edge of the sidewalk, knocking over a sign and landed just before the northern granite curbing on the exit from TD Bank’s parking lot.”

     According to responding Patrolman Philip McDonough, the vehicle “hit the granite curbing, pulling the curbing from the ground and striking another street sign before coming to a rest on the lawn just north of the exit.”

     The accident occurred across the street from the Caribou Police Department.

     Police allege Skidgel was the only individual in the vehicle, and he escaped serious injuries. In the report, Patrolman McDonough states Skidgel “admitted to being drunk at the time of the accident.” Police administered a blood alcohol test and the results are currently pending.

     Police charged Skidgel with operating under the influence.

     The 2006 Jeep involved in the 6:45 p.m. incident sustained undercarriage damage and belongs to Sarah Doxsey, who resides at the same Caribou address as the driver.

    The damaged property belongs to TD Bank.