SUV strikes motorcycle
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A local motorcyclist sustained injuries Friday when he was struck by a vehicle as he traveled on North Main Street near the Maysville intersection.
“On Friday, July 20, at approximately 1:26 p.m., the Presque Isle Police Department received a call through 9-1-1 of a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and another vehicle on Main Street in front of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Presque Isle,” said primary investigating officer Patrolman Rob Thibeault, PIPD.
As a result of the crash, Crown Ambulance transported the operator of the motorcycle, identified as Terry Gilmer, 46, of Presque Isle, to The Aroostook Medical Center with serious injuries. Gilmer was not wearing a helmet. The operator of the second vehicle, Andrea Ritchie, 54, of Mapleton, was using her seatbelt and was not injured in the accident.
Gilmer was treated at the hospital and later released.
“Gilmer was northbound on Main Street, traveling in the inside lane. Ritchie reported that an unknown individual driving north in the outside lane stopped and motioned for her to exit the KFC parking lot. Ritchie stated she did not see Gilmer approaching on his motorcycle and drove onto Main Street, where both vehicles collided,” said Thibeault.
Assisting officers included Officers Joey Seeley and Kevin Reed, of the PIPD; and Trooper Dennis Quint, Maine State Police. Also assisting at the scene were members of the Presque Isle Fire Department.
Ritchie was driving a 2006 Honda CRV, which sustained minor damage. Gilmer was operating a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle, which sustained significant damage. Impact Auto of Presque Isle towed both vehicles.
According to Thibeault, the accident remained under investigation. No charges were pending at presstime.
Police advise motorists to use caution when exiting parking lots, being sure the way is clear before continuing into traffic and not rely on other motorists’ advice on when it’s safe.
