Life-threatening crash

Island truck driver charged in serious collision in Maine

A Charlottetown truck driver has been charged with aggravated driving to endanger following a collision in Maine Tuesday that has left a man with life-threatening injuries. Dario Dosen, 49, was being held Wednesday in Penobscot County Jail on $10,000 cash bail. Maine State Police spokesman Stephen McCausland suggested if the victim, Brian Richardson, 33, of Veazie, Maine, dies, Dosen could face a more serious charge.

“We will deal with that if that takes place,’’ Dosen told reporters.

“There is always the possibility of charges changing based on a number of circumstances, and we continue to monitor his condition.’’ Troopers responded to a crash around 6 p.m. Tuesday in Hampden. According to the investigation, troopers learned that Dosen, driving a tractor trailer truck, drove another vehicle off the road while attempting to turn around using one of the “Authorized Vehicle” turnouts that are utilized by law enforcement and the Department of Transportation. The Bangor Daily News reported that Richardson had been travelling behind the semi at what witnesses said was a safe distance. He was forced to drive around the tractor trailer, struck a guardrail and was ejected from his Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Richardson, who suffered a fractured spine and head trauma, underwent emergency surgery, says Maine State Police Trooper Adam Gould. Dosen, who was hauling watermelons when the crash occurred, was not injured.