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Maine State Police troopers examine the all-terrain vehicle that crashed into a pedestrian in Lebanon on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Maine State Police

A South Berwick man who police say hit and seriously injured a person while riding his ATV and then fled faces multiple felony charges.

State police were called to the 4×4 Proving Grounds in Lebanon about 11 p.m. Saturday, where witnesses reported that an ATV rider had struck a person and fled, according to a statement by the Maine State Police.

Franklin Mann Photo courtesy of Maine State Police

The 4×4 Proving Grounds is a 123-acre business where patrons pay to drive various all-terrain vehicles and trucks along mud pits, trails and dirt drag strips.

The victim, who was not identified, was transported to Maine Medical Center.

Police formed a description of the ATV rider and stopped Franklin Mann, 47, as he walked down a dirt path in a nearby campground.

Mann denied knowledge of the crash or owning an ATV, but police said Mann had recent-looking injuries and had dirt on his clothes indicating he may have slid across the ground.

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Police determined Mann was the registered owner of the ATV involved in the crash and witnesses confirmed Mann was the rider at the time.

Troopers charged him with aggravated assault and operating under the influence resulting in an injury, both felonies.

He could also face future charges by indictment of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in injury and reckless conduct, police said.

Mann’s bail was set at $25,000.

 

Matt Byrne has covered crime and public safety for the Press Herald since 2016. It is his second beat since being hired at the Press Herald in late 2012, when he left the Boston Globe's suburban news bureau....