Girl struck while riding bike
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A BICYCLIST WAS INJURED Monday in Presque Isle when a motorist, identified as Daniel Davenport of Westfield, was exiting the parking lot at Star City IGA and did not see the 11-year-old girl riding northbound on her bicycle, striking the youth. Here, emergency personnel prepare to transport the girl to TAMC via Crown Ambulance, as dozens of spectators/witnesses watch.
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A local youth is being treated at Eastern Maine Medical Center, after she was struck by a vehicle while bicycling at the south end of downtown near the outdoor pool Monday afternoon.
“On July 11 at approximately 4:36 p.m. Officers Peter Johnson and Cole Chandler and Sgt. Mark Barnes responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a bicyclist. It was reported as a pedestrian accident,” said Dep. Chief Laurie Kelly, Presque Isle Police Department.
According to Kelly, Daniel Davenport, 28, of Westfield, was operating a 2003 Dodge pickup when he inadvertently struck a Presque Isle girl who was riding her bike from the pool.
“Davenport made a right-hand turn out of the Star City IGA parking lot. As Davenport executed his turn, he struck an 11-year-old Presque Isle girl who was riding her bicycle northbound, on the sidewalk, against traffic,” said Kelly. The girl’s name is not being released, due to her age.
Kelly said the girl was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center by Crown Ambulance and was later taken to EMMC for treatment of unspecified injuries.
“The girl is reported to be in good condition this morning (July 12) and was wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the accident,” said Kelly, noting the child’s injuries were considered “non-life-threatening.”
“No charges are pending in this accident,” said Kelly.
Officer Johnson is the primary investigator, assisted at the scene by Chandler and Barnes. The Presque Isle Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
Police remind motorists to use caution when traveling, as more pedestrians and bicyclists are sharing roadways this time of year. Bicyclists are reminded to wear helmets and watch for traffic turning into and out of driveways and parking lots.
