EMCC Public Safety Director Charged With OUI

Officials say the public safety director at Eastern Maine Community College faces drunk driving charges after allegedly almost hitting a police officer in Bangor.

Ruth Doherty, 55, also works as a part-time deputy in Hermon. On Monday night, Doherty approached a scene on Stillwater Avenue where a police officer was assisting a stranded motorist. She was allegedly driving too fast when she swerved to avoid the cruiser, narrowly missing hitting the officer who was standing there.

Penobscot County Sheriff Troy Morton told WABI-TV that Doherty's law enforcement commission has been suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation. She was certified as a law enforcement officer in 2008.

Doherty is charged with driving to endanger, operating under the influence, and refusing to submit to arrest.