Truck towing a load of blueberries rolls into Route 17 ditch in Washington

Wed, 08/13/2014 - 11:00am

Story Location:
Calderwood Road
Union, ME
United States

    WASHINGTON — A Waldoboro man and his 27-year-old passenger escaped injury Tuesday night when he fell asleep at the wheel and went off the road in Union, rolling his truck and the trailer he was towing.

    Robert Judkins, 33, was traveling eastbound on Route 17, near the intersection of Calderwood Road, just after 7 p.m. Aug. 12 when he told Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Mitchell that he dozed off.

    Judkins was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and towing a trailer loaded with blueberries. When he reportedly fell asleep, Judkins’ truck crossed the centerline and went off the road and rolled onto its roof. The trailer was overturned as well, along with all the plastic totes of blueberries.

    Neither Judkins or his passenger, Erika Leigh of Washington, were injured in the crash. Union and Washington fire departments responded to the scene along with Union Ambulance.

    Knox County Chief Deputy Tim Carroll said the truck was totaled and the loss of blueberries was estimated at $700.

    “It was discovered that Mr. Judkins’ license to operate was suspended, and he was issued a summons for operating after suspension,” said Carroll.


    Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.