No charges have been filed yet Monday against a teenager in a single-vehicle West Gardiner crash reportedly involving alcohol and speed.

The unidentified 16-year-old West Gardiner teenager was lucky to be alive after the “violent” car crash on High Street Sunday morning, according to Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety. Police have said the boy had just dropped off a friend a short time before the crash.

The boy lost control of the car at the crest of a hill and the car struck a utility pole, breaking off the pole at the ground and tearing the engine from the car’s frame. The car overturned several times and stopped on its wheels.

Troopers Seth Allen and Eric Verhille investigated the wreck and said speed and alcohol are the likely causes. McCausland on Monday said he did not have additional details regarding speed or alcohol.

Police said they expected to charge the teenager, but that hadn’t happened as of Monday.

Also, McCausland said the driver’s name was not being made public because he is a minor. Generally a juvenile’s name is public in cases where the charges are particularly serious.

The boy was examined at the scene by responders from Gardiner for minor injuries and released to family members.


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