The mother of a 4-year-old boy killed in a Casco car crash Tuesday remained in critical condition Friday at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

Crystal Petersen, 27, of Gray has been in a medically induced coma after suffering life-threatening head injuries when the car she was riding in crashed into a utility pole on Route 11.

Michael Minson, 28, of Gray was running late for his job at Dunkin’ Donuts in Naples and was passing other cars on rural Route 11 just before 6 a.m. when he lost control of Petersen’s black 1993 Honda Civic and crashed broadside into the utility pole, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash killed Cameron Petersen, 4. Investigators were unable to say whether the boy was strapped into his booster seat. The impact of the crash cut the car in half.

When rescue workers first arrived, Minson was outside the car and said he wasn’t driving. He did not mention Cameron and emergency workers did not know the boy was there until they found his body a short distance away near some trees.

Minson was treated and released the same day from Maine Medical Center in Portland.

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Minson was not been charged, but Sheriff Kevin Joyce said it appears that excessive speed on the 50 mph road contributed to the single-car crash.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation would likely take at least two weeks and any charges won’t be brought until after it is complete.

Minson – who has never had a driver’s license but has several suspensions of his right to drive – has criminal convictions for drug possession, domestic violence assault, disorderly conduct, refusing to submit to arrest and reckless conduct.

David Hench can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:

dhench@mainetoday.com

Twitter: Mainehenchman


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