At least the second crash in a week involving multiple vehicles has occurred on Interstate 95 in Sidney, this time prompted by someone driving a stolen SUV, police said.
The crash occurred around 4:05 p.m. Friday when a detective from Maine State Police Major Crimes Central was driving north on I-95 in Augusta and saw a 2008 Toyota Tundra being driven erratically and tried to stop it, according to Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Safety.
The detective activated the cruiser’s blue lights and siren, but the Tundra did not stop, Moss said in a news release.
“In the area of mile 119 northbound, the Tundra struck another vehicle, resulting in a crash involving four total vehicles, including the Tundra,” Moss stated. “The driver of the Tundra fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after by Troop I Troopers who responded to the scene.”
A passenger in a 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the driver of a 2013 Buick Enclave were taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Moss.
Police learned the Tundra had recently been stolen in Augusta. They took Karl McDougal-Orosco, 34, of Pittsfield, to Kennebec County Jail in Augusta where he faces charges of eluding an officer, driving to endanger, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, Moss said.
A jail spokesman said Saturday morning that McDougal-Orosco was still at the jail where his bail is set at $5,000 secured. No date was listed for his arraignment, but arraignments are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday, he said.
Moss said the crash caused significant traffic delays, but no secondary crashes occurred. Sidney Fire & Rescue, Delta Ambulance and Ready Road Towing assisted at the scene, she said.
The incident was at least the second multi-vehicle crash to occur this week in an area of I-95 in Sidney. State police on Monday investigated two early morning crashes involving six vehicles. Only minor injuries were reported.
Maine Department of Transportation data shows 72 crashes occurred during the 92 days between July 1 and Sept. 30 on I-95 between Fairfield and Hallowell — or one crash every 1.3 days. Of that number, 15 were rear-end crashes caused when drivers followed other vehicles too closely, and 14 occurred in or near work zones, according to data compiled from police department reports.
Meanwhile, motorists who regularly use that stretch of I-95 say they encounter distracted, angry, impatient and careless drivers and often witness crashes.
