The driver of a pickup truck that struck another vehicle on Rt. 1 at approximately 9:45 p.m. May 15 will face a number of criminal charges.
According to Waldoboro Police Chief Bill Labombarde, Justin Richards, 22, of Waldoboro, was driving a 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck southbound near RZR Hardware and Town Line Video when his vehicle crossed the centerline.
Benjamin Hoops, 40, of Lincolnville was traveling northbound on Rt. 1 and swerved in an attempt to avoid colliding with Richards’ vehicle. After being struck in the rear quarter, Hoops’ 2007 Subaru Outback ended up in a ditch.
Richards left the scene and Hoops called Lincoln County 9-1-1.
Labombarde said a headlight on Richards’ truck was dangling and officers responding to the call, saw the truck approach them when approaching the scene.
Police pursued the pickup and Richards ran into a guardrail “almost at the PD, on Rt. 1 near the Waldoboro Town Office,” Labombarde said.
Officers took Richards into custody and retrieved a handgun from his vehicle.
Richards was not arrested at the scene, but was charged with operating under the influence of drugs, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unlawful possession of Schedule W Drugs, unlawful possession of Schedule Y Drugs, failure to produce evidence of insurance and carrying a concealed weapon.
He was transported to Miles Memorial Hospital for treatment.
