WOOLWICH, Maine — A new Thomaston police officer was charged Friday with operating under the influence following a June 17 crash on Route 1.

Kristal Clark, 23, of Woolwich was issued a summons on Friday, according to Chief Deputy Brett Strout of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office.





Just before 10 p.m. on June 17, Clark was headed south on Route 1 in a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu when she allegedly crossed the centerline into the northbound lane, according to Chief Deputy Brett Strout of the sheriff’s office, according to Strout.

A 2008 Honda, driven by 56-year-old Sarah Bright of Freeport, was headed north and was unable to avoid Clark’s car. The two vehicles collided in the northbound lane. Clark’s car continued onto the shoulder and came to rest after striking the guardrail, Strout said.

Clark was taken unconscious to Mid Coast Hospital. Bright was uninjured. There were no passengers in either car.

On Thursday, Thomaston Police Chief Kevin A. Haj confirmed that Clark was hired as a full-time officer in May. He said he placed Clark on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation by the sheriff’s department.

Haj did not immediately return a phone call for comment on Friday.