WOOLWICH, Maine — A new Thomaston police officer has been placed on administrative leave with pay as the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office investigates whether she was under the influence of alcohol when her car collided with another vehicle on June 17.
Kristal Clark, 23, of Woolwich was hired as a full-time officer for the Thomaston Police Department in May, Chief Kevin A. Haj confirmed Wednesday.
Just before 10 p.m. on June 17, Clark was headed south on Route 1 in a 2009 Chevrolet when she allegedly crossed the center line into the northbound lane, according to Chief Deputy Brett Strout of the sheriff’s office.
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.
Bright was uninjured and Clark was taken to Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick with minor injuries. There were no passengers in either car.
“It’s still under investigation, and there have been no arrests, but we did draw blood on Clark, who was cooperative,” Strout said Wednesday morning.
Haj said he placed Clark on leave based on the initial report from Sagadahoc County.
“Conduct is the biggest thing,” he said. “All through the state of Maine we hold our officers to a higher level. But we don’t want to make any rash decisions.”