By Dominik Lobkowicz
A man police say was involved in a hit-and-run accident on Bremen Road in Waldoboro May 2 has been charged with two Class E crimes, according to Waldoboro Police Officer Larry Hesseltine.
This 2005 Toyota Corolla was involved in a hit-and-run accident on Bremen Road in Waldoboro May 2, according to police. (Photo courtesy Waldoboro Police Department) |
Andrew Lane, 47, of Waldoboro, was allegedly driving a red 2005 Toyota Corolla southbound on Bremen Road at around 8:45 p.m. when the vehicle left the roadway on the right side, striking several mailboxes, Hesseltine said.
Lane allegedly swerved back onto the road, left the road again on the left side, and struck a parked 2005 Chevrolet pickup at 766 Bremen Road before continuing across the property’s lawn and striking a tree, Hesseltine said.
“Witnesses said the vehicle then backed up quickly and sped south on Bremen Road,” Hesseltine said.
Hesseltine and Sgt. Jay Wilson investigated the accident and found pieces of the vehicle at the scene and at the intersection of Gross Neck and Dutch Neck roads.
“From vehicle pieces left at the scene, we were able to look up the part number and were able to determine it was a 2003 to 2006 Toyota Corolla,” Hesseltine said.
Hesseltine said they looked for the vehicle that night for several hours and were unable to locate it, but just after daylight Hesseltine found Lane’s Toyota with “major front end damage” at 828 Gross Neck Road.
After making contact with Lane, Lane allegedly admitted to operating the vehicle the night before and to being involved in the accident, Hesseltine said.
“He told me he didn’t think the damage was that bad and thought he would report it in the next day,” Hesseltine said.
Lane allegedly told Hesseltine he had recently acquired a new smart phone, and had looked down and swiped the screen at the time he left the road and struck the mailboxes, Hesseltine said.
There is no evidence to support alcohol or speed as being factors in the accident, according to Police Chief Bill Labombarde.
Lane was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and failing to report an accident by the quickest means, both Class E crimes, according to Hesseltine.
An attempt to reach Lane for comment was unsuccessful.
