Trooper strikes van

9 years ago

SMYRNA MILLS, Maine — A Maine State Police trooper on his way to assist another trooper struck a van driven by an elderly couple Monday afternoon at the intersection of Routes 2 and 212 in Smyrna Mills.

No one was seriously injured.

The accident occurred just before 3 p.m.

Trooper Tim Saucier, 50, of Island Falls was called to assist another trooper deal with an uncooperative man.

Saucier was heading south on Route 212 with the emergency lights on his 2010 Ford Crown Victoria when he approached and slowed at the intersection of Route 2, according to state police Sgt. Josh Haines in a statement issued Monday evening.

The trooper did not see any approaching vehicles because of the glaring sun and proceeded into the intersection, Haines said.

At the same time, Thomas Ewing, 82, of Houlton was heading east on Route 2 in his 2008 Dodge van and did not see the cruiser.

Saucier swerved but was unable to avoid striking Ewing’s vehicle, Haines said.

Ewing bumped his head and complained of pain, but he refused medical attention, Haines said. Ewing’s passenger and wife, Judith, 84, was not injured, he added.

Saucier, who was wearing his seat belt, was not injured, the sergeant said.