Car Leaves Road, Hits Ditch In Portage Lake

Maine State Police troopers responded to a crash on West Road in Portage Lake Sunday night.

Mark Chasse, 19, of Ashland, who was driving a 2007 Pontiac passenger car that ended up in a ditch, told police an oncoming tractor-trailer truck had crossed the center line, causing his vehicle to go off the road.

The truck driver, Gardner Flemming, 51, of Chester, was unaware of the accident and continued down the road, troopers said.

Chasse, who was driving above the speed limit, wasn't wearing a seat belt and struck his head on the windshield, police said. He was not transported to the hospital.

Chasse was issued a summons to appear in Presque Isle District Court. Flemming was not cited for the accident.