Staff Writer
A call was made to the Houlton Police early on Saturday morning after a carpenter failed to stop when one of his employees was tossed from the back of his pickup truck.
Gregory Doughty, 28, of Chelsea, was arrested Saturday morning and charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence, as well as for aggravated driving to endanger, according to Houlton Chief of Police Butch Asselin.
According to the police report, Doughty, who has one prior OUI, was leaving the bar at the Shiretown Motor Inn just before 1 a.m. on Saturday. Michael Trytek, a 23 year old employee of Doughty, hopped onto the tailgate of Doughty’s Chevrolet pickup. As Doughty left the parking lot, turning onto North Street, he accelerated, causing Trytek to lose his balance, fall off of the tailgate and hit his head on the pavement.
Doughty continued down Route 1, towards Ivey’ Motor Inn, even after being informed by a passenger that Trytek had fallen off the back of the truck. Doughty eventually switched seats with a passenger, employee, Ramon Devilla, 27 of Gardiner.
Witnesses observed the visibly injured, and apparently intoxicated, Trytek by the pond adjacent to the Shiretown Motor Inn and called police at 12:54 a.m.
Sgt. Troy Fitzpatrick was the first officer on the scene. Witnesses originally believed that there was a vehicle in the pond with people trapped inside. Though no vehicle was found, an ambulance was still called to take Trytek to Houlton Regional Hospital, where he was treated and observed throughout the day.
Eventually, Doughty returned to the Shiretown Inn, on foot, and witnesses identified him as the man who had been driving the pickup. He was taken to the Aroostook County Jail, and was later released after posting bail of $1,750.
Devilla was charged with operating under suspension, as well as violation of conditions of release. He remains in the Aroostook County Jail without bail due to his violation of conditions of release.
A third employee of Doughty’s was also riding in the vehicle, but no charges have been placed against him.
Officers Jared Sylvia and Stewart Kennedy of the HPD were also involved in the investigation.
