SIDNEY — A Maine State Police trooper sustained an arm injury late Wednesday night after his cruiser was struck by a car whose driver fell asleep at the wheel on Interstate 95.
Cpl. Garret Booth was traveling northbound around 11 p.m. when a 2019 Kia Optima, driven by 34-year-old Keishaunna Tavares of San Diego, California, accelerated uncontrollably and rear-ended his cruiser.
Tavares reportedly fell asleep, causing her foot to press on the gas pedal.
Booth was transported to Maine General Medical Center in Augusta for evaluation following the collision.
He has since been released from the hospital.
Tavares, who was not injured, was cited for failing to maintain control of her vehicle.
Both the police cruiser and Tavares’s car were significantly damaged and had to be towed from the scene.
The response to the accident included assistance from Central Field Troop and Troop I, as well as MDOT, Delta Ambulance, Sidney Fire/Rescue, and Ready Road Towing.
