A man charged with operating under the influence crashed into a cop car with flashing lights just before midnight Saturday on Lewiston Road in New Gloucester.
Christopher Clare, 48, of New Gloucester was driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla on the 600 block of Lewiston Road when he collided with a police cruiser with its emergency lights on that had pulled over for an unrelated traffic stop, according to Cumberland County Chief Deputy Brian Pellerin.
Clare’s car and the cruiser, a fully marked Ford Explorer, were significantly damaged.
“Miraculously, neither Clare nor Deputy Cushman were injured,” Pellerin said.
Clare was found to have a blood alcohol content of nearly three times the legal limit and was charged with driving under the influence. Pellerin said speed also appeared to be a factor in the crash.
“This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers emergency services personnel face while conducting their duties on the roads and highways of Cumberland County,” Pellerin said. “Plan ahead, drink responsibly and designate a sober driver.”