| Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Press Release |
Incident Date: December 2nd 2023
Incident Time: 11:54 PM
Incident Location: 611 Lewiston Road, New Gloucester, ME
Release Date: December 3rd, 2023
Release Time: 04:04 AM
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH:
On December 2nd, 2023 at approximately 11:54 PM, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of 611 Lewiston Road in the Town of New Gloucester for a two vehicle collision involving a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Vehicle.
Investigation revealed that Deputy Josiah Cushman, a 4 year veteran of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a traffic stop in the area of 611 Lewiston Road in response to an unrelated complaint called into the Cumberland County Regional Communications Center. Deputy Cushman parked his vehicle, a fully marked 2020 Ford Explorer, with emergency lights flashing, on the shoulder of the northbound lane of Lewiston Road as he conducted this investigation.
While Deputy Cushman was outside of his parked cruiser, speaking with the operator of the uninvolved vehicle, a third vehicle, which was travelling northbound on Lewiston Road collided with the rear driver’s corner of Deputy Cushman’s Cruiser causing disabling damage to both vehicles.
The operator of the suspect vehicle, a silver, 2021 Toyota Corolla, later identified as 48 year old Christopher Clare, of New Gloucester, ME, was driving home after leaving a local bar when he collided with Deputy Cushman’s cruiser. Miraculously, neither Clare nor Deputy Cushman were injured during this collision. Clare was subsequently arrested for Operating Under the Influence and was found to have a breath alcohol content of nearly three times the legal limit.
Deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division were assisted by the Crash Reconstruction Unit, Windham Police Department and New Gloucester Fire Department
Lewiston Road traffic was effected by this incident for approximately 1.5 hours.
Speed and alcohol do appear to be factors in this crash. This incident remains under investigation by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Details in reference to this investigation will be released as appropriate.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the dangers emergency services personnel face while conducting their duties on the roads and highways of Cumberland County. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to slow down, and leave ample room when passing emergency vehicles on the roadway. Plan ahead, drink responsibly and designate a sober driver.
