Truck Crashes into Union River in Ellsworth: Man Rescued

On July 1, 2023, at approximately 10:50 PM, the Ellsworth Police Department received a report about a truck crashing into the Union River in Ellsworth, Maine. According to a news release issued by the department on Monday, it was believed that the driver had crashed through the guardrail on Shore Road and ended up in the river.

Upon arriving at the scene, police officers were met with an alarming sight. The water levels had risen so high inside the truck's cab that they reached up to the dashboard. As they approached closer to investigate further, they heard splashing sounds coming from nearby.

"They searched the immediate area and found a male going underwater yelling for help," stated the news release.

Without hesitation, Cpl. Robert Angelo bravely entered into action. He swiftly swam out approximately 15 feet towards where he heard cries for assistance and successfully reached the distressed individual. With great strength and determination, Cpl. Angelo managed to pull him back to safety onshore while awaiting emergency medical care.

Following their initial response efforts, officials thoroughly searched for any other occupants who might have been involved in this unfortunate incident but determined that there were no other individuals present in or around the vehicle during this time.

The driver of the truck has been identified as Christopher Coombs, a 29-year-old resident of Sullivan. Although Coombs sustained injuries during this harrowing ordeal that are not considered life-threatening according to authorities' reports; he was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

As investigations continue into what led up to this crash incident along Shore Road in Ellsworth; charges against Christopher Coombs are reportedly pending once more information is gathered regarding his involvement in this accident.

This press release serves as an official statement from law enforcement regarding Incident E23-03740 which occurred late Saturday night involving a truck plunging into Union River near Ellsworth's shoreline.

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