Lincoln, ME (July 21, 2026) – A family of four, including a 5-year-old child and a 3-month-old infant, was injured after a vehicle left the roadway and struck them while they were walking on a sidewalk Saturday afternoon in Lincoln. The driver was arrested on multiple charges, according to police.
The incident occurred just after 3 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and West Broadway during the town’s Loonfest celebration. Lincoln Police said a vehicle driven by 57-year-old Carl Hartley of Mattawamkeag left the roadway and entered the sidewalk, striking a 24-year-old woman, a 29-year-old man, a 5-year-old child, and a 3-month-old infant.
Authorities said the 24-year-old woman suffered serious injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The 29-year-old man, the 5-year-old child, and the infant were also taken to area hospitals with injuries that police described as non-life-threatening.
Police arrested Hartley at the scene and charged him with operating under the influence of methamphetamine. During a search of his vehicle, investigators said they discovered illegal drugs, leading to an additional charge of drug trafficking. Hartley was transported to the Penobscot County Jail.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence. We extend our thoughts to the injured family and wish them all a full and speedy recovery.
Why Sidewalk Crashes of Alleged Impaired Drivers Receive Intensive Investigations
When a vehicle leaves the roadway and strikes pedestrians on a sidewalk, investigators conduct a detailed examination to determine how the driver lost control and whether impairment or other factors contributed to the incident. Sidewalks are designed to provide a safe area for pedestrians, making these crashes especially serious.
Investigators typically review toxicology results, witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle damage, and roadway evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. If drugs or alcohol are suspected, additional testing and evidence collection are part of the criminal investigation.
When children are among those injured, investigators also carefully document the circumstances surrounding the crash and the extent of each person’s injuries. These findings help support both the criminal case and the official crash investigation.
