SKOWHEGAN — A man who police think may have been homeless and living in his pickup truck was taken to the hospital early Friday morning after his Ford F-150 plunged into the Kennebec River.

Skowhegan Police Chief David Bucknam said the accident happened around 1 a.m. on Alder Street, west of downtown Skowhegan.

A Ford F-150 pickup truck is hauled out of the Kennebec River early Friday. A wet, cold William Sweet claimed to be a passenger in the truck, but police summoned him on charges of operating under the influence and operating without a license. Chuck's Auto Recovery & Towing photo

Responding officers Amber Damon and Ryan Blakeney found a green F-150 submerged in the river, Bucknam said. It appeared the vehicle was unable to negotiate the corner on Alder Street, going over the guardrail and landing in the river, he said.

William Sweet, 33, claimed to have been a passenger in the truck, but a search of the area and eye witness accounts painted a different picture as to what may have happened, Bucknam said.

Sweet, who was soaking wet, cold and appeared to be intoxicated, was taken to Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan for medical attention.

“It appears William may have been residing in his vehicle, as Officer Blakeney discovered personal hygiene products as well as the back seat of the truck filled with clothes,” Bucknam said.

Sweet also allegedly had a fake temporary license plate from Missouri on the vehicle and did not have a driver’s license. He was issued summons for operating under the influence and operating without a license. Because of his exposure to the elements and treatment at the hospital, he was not taken to jail, Bucknam said.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

Twitter:@Doug_Harlow

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