Driver indicted for running over flagger

MEXICO -- A Bingham man accused of running over a construction site flagger in November was indicted on Feb. 11 on three charges, including felony drunken-driving, according to Mexico Police Lt. Roy Hodsdon.

Michael R. Tremblay, 55, was indicted by an Oxford County grand jury on charges of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon (his truck) (Class B), driving to endanger (Class C) and operating under the influence (Class C).

Hodson noted that the last two charges are felonies because of the aggravated assault charge and because of the injuries sustained by the flagger.

Conviction on the Class B charge carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000. Conviction on the Class C charges carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000.

According to the District Attorney's office, Tremblay will be issued a summons to appear in Oxford County Superior Court at a date to be determined.

The charges stem from the incident that occurred at 2:23 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2012, as Project Flagging employee Alan T. Smith, 45, of Dixfield was directing traffic on Route 2 near the Mexico-Dixfield bridge. Hodsdon said Smith was struck by a fullsize 2009 Dodge pickup truck driven east by Tremblay.

He said Smith was holding the “Stop” side of his sign toward traffic when Tremblay accelerated his truck that had been stopped and the front bumper struck Smith, dragging him 21 feet under the truck before being pulled onto the sidewalk.

Tremblay continued to drive forward, taking out a road sign post, then a guy wire connected to a telephone pole.

“Tremblay began to back up after hitting the guy wires, but another flagger who witnessed the accident ran forward and stopped him,” Hodsdon said.

Smith was taken to Rumford Hospital and later transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he was listed in critical condition. According to Hodsdon, Smith suffered multiple fractures throughout his body, including his legs and hips.

“Alan is still recovering,” said Hodsdon. “He's returned home and is still receiving medical care. He has injuries that may require more surgery.”

Tremblay was given a blood alcohol test after the crash, prompting the OUI charge, said Hodsdon.

Hodsdon was assisted at the scene of the accident by Sgt. Jeff Howe of the Dixfield Police Department and Cpl. Justin Brown of the Oxford County Sheriff's Office. The indictment follows a two-month investigation.