St Albans Man Arrested for Driving Into Blocked Construction Zone

A St. Albans man is facing multiple charges after allegedly driving around traffic cones and into a construction zone in Portland.

South Portland Police Sergeant Christopher Farley was in his cruiser, sitting at the blocked Exit 5 of Interstate 295 in Portland Tuesday afternoon, with his blue lights flashing to alert motorists to the fact that the exit was closed, due to road construction. But at approximately 10 pm, Sergeant Farley saw a vehicle drive past him and around the cones that were blocking the exit. Luckily, he was able to stop the vehicle before the driver reached construction workers. No one was hurt in the incident.

Police say the driver, 36-year-old Joseph Simonet of St. Albans was found to be impaired and was charged with Operating Under the Influence, Driving to Endanger, and other civil traffic violations. He was transported to the South Portland Police Department, booked, and then released on bail.

Maine State Police remind motorists to slow down and use caution in construction zones.