State legislator crashes into SUV on Route 17

UNION – State Rep. Stephen L. Bowen rear-ended a sport utility vehicle Thursday with his pickup truck while traveling along Route 17.

Bowen, 36, of Rockport was driving a 1998 Ford pickup truck west on Route 17 behind a 1994 Ford SUV driven by Carrie A. Prelgovisk, 41, of Waterville. Prelgovisk had slowed in traffic, then came to a stop while waiting for a dump truck in front of her car to make a left turn onto Clarry Hill Road.

Bowen’s vehicle failed to stop and rear-ended Prelgovisk’s vehicle.

Damage to the SUV was estimated at $1,200, and at $800 to the pickup truck.

Neither driver nor two teenage passengers in Prelgovisk’s vehicle were injured in the 5 p.m. accident, according to a report by Knox County sheriff’s Sgt. Steven Burns. All were wearing seat belts.

The report indicates the accident was caused by driver inattention or distraction by Bowen.