Hernandez charged
with attempted murder
PORTLAND — A Westbrook man accused of intentionally hitting another man with his SUV in October has been charged with attempted murder.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Clemente Hernandez, 45, was being held at the Cumberland County Jail on $25,000 bail. Prosecutors originally had charged him with lesser crimes, but the Cumberland County grand jury handed down an indictment Dec. 7 on the more serious count of attempted murder.

Hernandez also faces two counts of aggravated assault, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, reckless conduct and leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury.

He has not yet entered a plea to the charges. His next court appearance is Feb. 7.

According to police reports, Hernandez was driving a 1999 GMC Suburban on Oct. 18 when he spotted the victim walking near Pennell Street in Westbrook. He allegedly veered over a curb and struck the man, leaving a dent in the hood of the vehicle. Police believe Hernandez was angry with the man because of his relationship with a woman.

Court documents show the 25-year-old man did not sustain any broken bones or life-threatening injuries.

Gorham driver hits pole
after Standish chase

STANDISH — A Gorham man was seriously injured early Dec. 8 following a short police chase in Standish.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said Joseph Turner, 26, was operating a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the wrong lane on Chadbourne Road at 12:58 a.m. Saturday when a sheriff’s deputy spotted him and tried to stop him.

Turner was operating without a license and had several convictions for operating under the influence. Police said they are continuing to investigate the crash. Turner faces several charges, including operating under the influence and operating with a revoked license.

– Portland Press Herald

Hernandez