Brewer driver accused after car strikes 2 houses

HODGDON – A Brewer man has been charged in an expensive demolition driving spree after he allegedly crashed into two houses and struck four mailboxes in the Hodgdon area, causing more than $7,500 in damage, according to the Maine State Police.

Jason Miller, 27, was charged with failure to report and imprudent speed, Sgt. Julie Bergan of the state police said Wednesday.

Miller may be facing more charges, Bergan said.

The state police barracks received a call at 11:19 p.m. Monday about a vehicle that had struck a house on Hodgdon Mills Road. The caller said the vehicle operator and a passenger had left the vehicle and fled the scene.

Trooper Daniel Deschaine responded to the call and discovered that the 1999 Buick LaSabre had plowed into four mailboxes, then crashed into a large patio at 195 Hodgdon Mills Road, causing about $3,500 in damage. The vehicle kept going, slamming into another house at 193 Hodgdon Mills Road and causing $4,000 in damage. The car came to rest against the side of the house.

No injuries were reported. Bergan said Miller and his passenger were wearing seat belts and were lucky to have escaped without injury. The vehicle itself was demolished.

Police believe speed and alcohol were the cause of the accidents.

Investigators collected evidence from the scene, including beer bottles, and had the vehicle and its contents impounded. Police learned that Miller had purchased the car in November.

Witnesses identified the driver and passenger as men with “longish” hair who were wearing baseball caps. One male was wearing glasses. Mug shots that the Brewer Police Department sent to the Houlton barracks matched the description police received from witnesses, Bergan said.

Police, however, did not have to search long for Miller. He came to the barracks at about 7 p.m. Tuesday to get his vehicle and contents back. Bergan said he admitted to being the driver, though he stated that he did not remember the incident because he had blacked out.

Deschaine was assisted in his investigation by Trooper Jeff Clark and his K9, Hanno.

Miller was scheduled to appear in court in January to respond to the charges.