Police charge Hermon woman with OUI after Bangor crashes

BANGOR – A Hermon woman was reportedly drunk when she drove her car in the wrong lane on outer Hammond Street just after 12 a.m. Saturday and struck two oncoming cars.

Melissa D. White, 42, was driving a black 1999 Mercury sedan when she veered across the centerline and began driving westbound in the eastbound lane, Bangor police Officer Brad Hanson said. The Mercury glanced off a gold 1989 Chevrolet car as its driver, Betty L. Woodman, 23, of Bucksport, swerved to avoid a collision. The Chevrolet went into the ditch near Cushman Plaza and was later driven away.

White’s Mercury then continued on and struck a white 1999 Saturn sedan, forcing it into the ditch and against a culvert, Hanson said. Brandy Bridges, 23, of Stockton Springs was driving the Saturn and had pulled into the breakdown lane to avoid a collision. After the Mercury struck the Saturn it continued on for 300 feet before stopping with its front driver’s side tire ripped off.

None of the drivers was injured in the accident. Bridges’ three passengers, Jessica Bridges, 22, Joshua Perry, 21, and Scott Brown, 32, complained of pain in various areas but were not taken to the hospital, Hanson said. Everyone involved had been wearing seat belts.

Damage to the Mercury was estimated at $5,000, the Chevrolet $250, and the Saturn $6,000.

Tests later found White’s blood-alcohol level to be 0.27 percent, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 for adults in Maine, Bangor police Officer Shawn Green said. White was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants and driving without a license, and was taken to Penobscot County Jail in Bangor. She was later released on personal recognizance and will appear in 3rd District Court in Bangor on Dec. 23.