WOOLWICH – Thomaston Police Officer Kristal Clark has been charged with operating under the influence following the results of an investigation, according to Chief Deputy Brett Strout of the Sagadahoc’s County Sheriff’s Office.

Strout said that Clark’s initial court appearance will be Aug. 18 in West Bath District Court.

The recently appointed Thomaston police officer was involved in a two-vehicle crash in Woolwich June 17, according to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office.

Kristal Clark, 23, of Woolwich, is a full-time police officer with the Thomaston Police Department and graduated from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy May 22.

According to Strout of the sheriff’s office, at approximating 10 p.m., Clark was traveling south on Route 1 in a 2009 Chevrolet when her vehicle crossed the center line into the northbound lane. Clark’s vehicle struck a 2008 Honda, driven by Sarah Bright, 56, of Freeport. Bright was headed north and was unable to avoid Clark’s car. The two vehicles then collided in the northbound lane. Clark’s vehicle continued to travel onto the shoulder of the road and struck the guardrail. 

Clark sustained minor injuries was transported to Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. Bright was uninjured. There were no passengers in either vehicle, according to Strout.

Strout said that both vehicles sustained minimal damage given the circumstances of the crash.

A blood test was performed on Clark after the accident as part of the investigation. 

Police Chief Kevin Haj confirmed Clark continues to be on administrative leave from the Thomaston Police Department pending the outcome on her court appearance in August.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com