BOWDOIN

A Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s deputy escaped serious injuries despite being involved in a serious crash on Route 125 in Bowdoin Saturday that left the cruiser in pieces.

Deputy Al Huntington was able to report his own crash to Sagadahoc County Communications Center at 6:49 a.m. 

According to Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry, Huntington was driving the 2013 Dodge Charger west on Route 125. He was approximatley a quarter mile before the Lisbon town line when he veered off the left side of the road and struck a tree nearly head-on. The vehicle came to rest upright in front of 533 Main St.

Huntington, 55, of Lisbon, couldn’t get out of the car due to the extensive damage. He was cut free by firefighters from Lisbon, Bowdoin and Bowdoinham. He was not seriously injured but was transported to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, treated and released.

Merry said it appears Huntington, who was just finishing an overnight shift, fell asleep and lost control of the vehicle. The crash remains under investigation, which is being handled by the Maine State Police.

“We are very fortunate that the deputy was not seriously injured,” Merry stated in a press release about the incident. “The advanced safety mechanisms in today’s cruisers are remarkably dependable, including seatbelts and airbags. Clearly, the injuries could have been a lot worse. The deputy will be out of work for a few days, but he is expected to return in good condition.”    

Merry said Huntington was able to call the dispatch center himself to report the crash and never lost contact with dispatchers.

“He’s lucky in a sense,” Merry said at the scene. 

Huntington has been with Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years and has no prior vehicle mishaps.

The cruiser is totaled, Merry said. He added that while he can make a phone call and get a new vehilce, there’s no way he can replace a member of his department. 

dmoore@timesrecord.com

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