Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Police were first at the scene of an accident Saturday night at the intersection of Main and Maysville streets – not because of fast response time but because a Presque Isle Police Department officer responding to an accident was involved in one of his own. “I was en route to a reported rollover on the Fort Road when my cruiser was struck from the side,” said Officer Shawn Newell, of the PIPD.
According to Chief Naldo Gagnon, Newell was responding to the call following proper protocol, using lights and sirens.
“Shawn was traveling east from the Connector to Maysville, using lights and sirens, when the accident occurred,” said Gagnon.
According to the police report, Newell proceeded through the intersection, with his lights and sirens activated and using multiple tones of the siren.
“I crossed the intersection after braking and checking traffic. That’s when I was T-boned,” explained Newell.
The driver of the northbound vehicle that struck Newell was identified as Joseph D. Cyr, 61, of Hamlin. His passenger was identified as Eva Cyr, 56, also of Hamlin.
The cruiser 3, one of the department’s newer Dodges, suffered damage to its passenger side doors and quarter panels. Cyr’s vehicle, which was not identified, sustained damage to the bumper and grill. Both vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.
“The vehicle has considerable damage but is drivable. We’re getting estimates,” said Gagnon. “The Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and responded to complete the report.”
Damage to the cruiser has been estimated at $3,000.
No injuries were reported as the result of the accident. No information was available on whether charges are pending or not.
Gagnon reminds drivers to proceed with caution when they hear or see an emergency vehicle. Watch for lights and listen for sirens.
“Sometimes it’s the lights that get noticed first, because noises from inside a vehicle cab – whether conversation, a radio or the car’s engine – can drown out outside sounds like sirens. But it’s up to drivers to be alert for emergency vehicles and give them the right-of-way when they are using sirens and lights,” said Gagnon.
