WINSLOW, Maine — An Oakland man was arrested on Saturday night after allegedly striking a person in a wheelchair with his vehicle, according to police.
Daryl Pratt, 80, was leaving the town’s fireworks display shortly before 10 p.m. when he struck the victim along the Sebasticook Bridge, according to Winslow Police Chief Shawn O’Leary.
O’Leary said thousands of spectators were departing Fort Halifax Park at the time of the crash. Pratt apparently became confrontational with police as they investigated, attempting to leave as several pedestrians were in front of the vehicle.
Two officers were able to quickly halt Pratt, but he allegedly assaulted them several times before police were able to get him in handcuffs, O’Leary said. The chief noted that if not for the quick thinking of police, several other pedestrians could have been struck.
Pratt is facing multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident, aggravated reckless conduct, refusing to submit to arrest and two counts of assault and criminal threatening.
The victim in the wheelchair, whose identity was not disclosed, did not require medical attention. Pratt was taken to the Winslow police station following his arrest.
