Maine Man Faces OUI Charges After Crashing Off a Cliff in Acadia

A man from Lincoln is facing two OUI charges after driving recklessly, resulting in a crash while in Acadia National Park.

The Lincoln Man Allegedly Had a Blood Alcohol Level More Than Twice the Legal Limit

Eric Amos Jipson III of Lincoln has been arraigned on one count of operating under the influence of alcohol and one count of operating under the influence of alcohol in the U.S. District Court in Bangor. According to court documents, his blood alcohol content registered 0.178, which is more than twice the legal limit.

Park Rangers Responded to a Report of a Lifted Pickup That Went Over a Cliff

An affidavit filed in federal court states that Park Rangers learned that a lifted black pickup truck traveling more than 50 miles per hour just after 8:30 Thursday night near Sand Beach had crashed through some cones. As Park Rangers responded to the area they learned of a second 911 call reporting that the same truck had left the Park Loop Road just north of Blackwoods Campground and traveled down a 35-foot cliff.

According to the BDN, two Rangers hiked down the cliff and found Jipson, who had no physical injuries from the crash. He said he was driving when suddenly 'a corner came up' and he 'went straight through it.' Jipson also told Rangers that he had a pistol, which they found in a holster with the magazine inside but no rounds in the chamber.

Officials Say Jipson Allegedly Failed His On-Site Sobriety Tests

He allegedly told authorities that he had not been drinking, but they say his speech was slurred and he was cursing a lot. Officials say he couldn't keep his balance during a one-foot stand test and tried to put his foot down multiple times. Jipson allegedly also had some difficulty when he was instructed to walk heel to toe.

He has been released on a personal recognizance bond, with instructions that he is not allowed to use alcohol.