ATV crash injures one

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    State police were busy recently with a pair of separate motor vehicle crashes that sent one person to the hospital and resulted in charges to another.
    On Tuesday, Dec. 4, at about 12:50 p.m., Maine State Trooper Jillian Monahan responded to a report of an all-terrain vehicle crash on the Hodgdon Mills Road. Wayne Cofske, 52, of Hodgdon was found lying in the roadway by a passing motorist with Cofske’s ATV nearby. 
    “It was apparent that Cofske had been riding the ATV on the Hodgdon Mills Road prior to the accident, but the incident is still under investigation as to what caused the accident,” said Sgt. Brian Harris.
    Cofske was brought to Houlton Regional Hospital by private vehicle and later transferred to Eastern Maine Medical center for treatment of internal injuries.
    On Monday, Dec. 3, at 6:25 p.m., trooper Monohan was summoned to the White Settlement Road in Hodgdon for a two-car collision.
    Lael Scott, 33, of Houlton was traveling northbound on the White Settlement Road in his 2005 Toyota when he was struck by a 1999 Buick heading south operated by Frederick Snell, 59, of Haynesville.
    Snell’s vehicle crossed the centerline into Scott’s lane, striking Scott’s vehicle, Harris said.
    “Both vehicles stopped after the accident, but upon Scott telling Snell that he had already called the state police to report the accident, Snell then attempted to drive away and leave the scene,” Harris said. “Scott followed Snell and pulled his vehicle in front of Snell, blocking the road and causing Snell to stop. Scott then held Snell there until trooper Monahan arrived moments later.”
    Snell was arrested for operating under the influence and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.
    There were no injuries to either operator and both vehicles sustained minor damage. The investigation is continuing.