Westbrook man who drove into 4 state troopers pleads not guilty to OUI

Tyler Croston at the York County jail during his initial court appearance in August. Croston drove into four Maine State Police troopers in Hollis. Screenshot from Zoom hearing

A Maine man who drove into and injured four state troopers in Hollis this summer has pleaded not guilty to charges that include driving under the influence, aggravated driving to endanger and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Tyler Croston, 24, of Westbrook, appeared in York County Superior Court via Zoom on Thursday afternoon.

The arraignment hearing was brief. Appearing from the York County Jail, Croston sat silently in an orange jumpsuit as Judge James Martemucci read out the charges. His attorney, Stephen Shea, entered not guilty pleas on Croston’s behalf.

Croston was charged in late August with driving under the influence, aggravated driving to endanger and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. York County District Court Judge Andre Janelle set his bail at $250,000. The charges carry a maximum sentence of more than 50 years in prison.

Croston hit and injured four state troopers standing near a driveway on Route 202 in Hollis on Aug. 27, police say.

Clockwise from top left: Trooper recruit Shane St. Pierre, 22; and Troopers Dakota Stewart, 33; David Lemieux, 33 and Jake Mowry, 28. Photos courtesy of Maine State Police

Troopers Jake Mowry, David Lemiuex and Dakota Stewart as well as trooper recruit Shane St. Pierre were mediating a family disturbance near the intersection of Hollis Road and Star Lane. Around 11 p.m., Croston swerved off the road and drove a 2017 Subaru WRX into all four troopers, police say. Law enforcement said at the time that they believed Croston had been using marijuana.

The troopers were taken to Maine Medical Center following the crash. One was seriously injured. Croston also was taken to the hospital with minor injuries before being released and booked into the York County Jail.