PERHAM, Maine — A 19-year-old Fort Fairfield man is facing a charge of operating under the influence after a Saturday morning accident during which a pickup struck a utility pole and caused a temporary power outage at a Perham residence.
The accident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. when a 2012 Chevrolet pick up traveling west on the Woodland Center Road failed to negotiate a sharp right corner, skidded across the lawn and driveway of a private residence, and struck a utility pole guy wire before coming to rest in some trees, according to a press release issued by the Maine State Police. Electrical power to the residence was knocked out and the force of the crash ripped the driver’s side front wheel from the vehicle.
Troopers Nathan Desrosier and Ryan Kilcollins of the Maine State Police investigated and charged Seth Cote with operating under the influence.
Cote was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.
Three other passengers in the vehicle also were wearing their seat belts and escaped serious injury, although one passenger suffered a small facial laceration. The vehicle was damaged substantially and was towed from the scene.
Cote is scheduled to appear in Caribou District Court on Thursday, Nov. 2.
