BANGOR, Maine — An intoxicated cabdriver out drinking early Monday went for a joyride in a taxi belonging to another driver that he found parked near a downtown bar, according to police.
Lawrence Stinson, 59, of Bangor was seen by eyewitnesses just before 1 a.m. driving down Main Street without the cab’s headlights on, “hanging half in and outside the cab,” Bangor police Sgt. Paul Edwards said in a news release.
“Initially the witnesses thought he was having a medical issue,” Edwards said.
Stinson apparently crashed the cab on the State Street Bridge and then tried to reverse the vehicle, hitting the guardrail, according to Edwards. He reportedly was picked up by another cab and given a ride home, the sergeant said.
Officer Kim Donnell found the cab empty on the bridge and also discovered a sneaker and bloody sock under the front driver’s side tire.
While Donnell was taking statements, another cabdriver arrived and reported the car stolen.
The cabdriver said “she locked the cab (windows were rolled down), walked into the bar to find her cab fare, and when she came out, the cab was gone,” the release stated. “Mr. Stinson was located at his residence and brought to the police station for an Intoxilyzer test.”
Stinson was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicants, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. His license to drive a taxi also may be suspended if Police Chief Chief Ron Gastia decides to forward a complaint to the City Council asking for a formal hearing, according to Edwards.
Stinson was taken to a local hospital emergency room to receive treatment for his injured foot.
Question—Why would you bother to lock a vehicle when all the windows were rolled down???
Habit?
No no no I do not think that they can charge with OUI where he was located at his home. He could of or could say that he drank at his home and was not drunk at the time of the accident. I know of somone last week their car went off the road somewhere and when the cops got there she was in the passenger seat and cops asked who was driving and she said she wasnt sure of his name but he took off and they cant charge her with OUI since they have no proof she was driving. Just sayin. And NO I am not for drunk driving before you people start commenting.
Guess it depends on whether or not there were eyewitnesses who would testify that he was operating or attempting to operate(one of the elements of the offense) and testify as to his condition at the time the offense is alleged to have occurred. Then his BAL would just be corroborating evidence albeit somewhat shaky, again depending in part on how long after the alleged offense he had his intoxilyzer test.
Like beemare said, I’m sure eyewitness statements here will help. If the sneaker and sock can be proven to be his, that won’t help his case either, along with other evidence that they may be able to get.
I thought that convicted felons couldn’t get a permit to drive a cab from the city?
If you need a ride, DONT CALL A CAB!!!
I have been in some scary situations with Cab drivers.
3 of the
No…………..call ghost busters then ?…….what ?
Ace taxi seems to be a decent cab company.
A & M Taxi is very good.
What company does Mr. Stinson work for?? That is one company I do not want to call for a ride!
Dick’s Taxi
that is for honest crooks locked car with open windows
Local Bar was the Tavern….looks like someone was over served to me .
Local Bar was the Main Tavern…looks like someone was over served…big surprise for that place