Trooper Forced To Drive Cruiser Into Wrong-Way Driver

A State Trooper was forced to drive his cruiser into a vehicle being driven the wrong way on I-95 in Sabattus.

Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says Trooper Lee Vanadestine came across the car at around 10:00 Monday night, as it was being driven through a construction area in the southbound lane of I-95. The Trooper pulled his cruiser alongside the car and bumped it, forcing the vehicle into the median guardrail.

The driver, 67-year-old Steven Burns of Augusta, told troopers he was confused after entering the turnpike at the Sabattus exit, and had driven about four miles in the wrong direction. State Police received numerous calls from other motorists reporting the vehicle traveling the wrong way.

Trooper Vanadestine had bumps and bruises but didn't require hospitalization. Burns wasn't injured in the incident. So far, no charges have been filed but the incident remains under investigation. In addition, State Police will notify the Secretary of State's office to have Mr. Burns' driver's license status reviewed.