Two teenagers die in early morning Boothbay car crash

Deputies make arrest during initial investigation
Wed, 07/30/2014 - 9:15am

An early morning car crash in Boothbay claimed the lives of two teenagers Wednesday, July 30. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has identified the driver as 19-year-old Casey Dalton of Boothbay. The sheriff’s office has chosen not to identify the 17-year-old passenger, of Boothbay Harbor, because of his age.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 9-1-1 call around 3:30 a.m. on Route 27. The call reported a single vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 27 and River Road.

According to a sheriff department press release, the investigation revealed a Black Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle was traveling north at a high rate of speed when the operator lost control. The SUV entered the southbound lane and left the road. The vehicle continued forward where it struck several trees before coming to a rest.

Both occupants were found dead at the scene. Dalton was not wearing a seat belt. The 17-year-old passenger was wearing a seat belt.

Deputies spent most of the day July 30 conducting a preliminary investigation to the cause of the early morning crash, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in a press released issued around 3:30 p.m. During this time, deputies arrested 21-year-old William M. Gerardi of Hebron, Conn. Gerardi was charged with one felony count of furnishing liquor to a Minor after Deputies gathered information that prior to the crash he provided liquor to both occupants of the fatal crash while at a residence on Merry Lane in Boothbay.

Gerardi was transported to the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset, where bail was set at $5000 cash. At the time of this release, Gerardi was still being held unable to post bail. It is expected that Gerardi will make an initial appearance if he is unable to post bail either Thursday, July 31, or Friday, Aug. 1.

Deputies will continue to work with the Wiscasset District Attorney’s Office over the next several weeks to gather additional information related to this crash.  It is possible that additional charges could be placed against Gerardi and others who may have been involved.

Anyone who may have information related to this crash is asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Wiscasset at 207-882-7332.

The primary investigating officer is Deputy Jared Mitkus, assisted by Deputy First Class Mark Bridgham and Sergeant Alan Shea. Sgt. Jason Nein is conducting a reconstruction of the crash.

Members of the Boothbay Fire, Boothbay Harbor Fire, Edgecomb Fire and Boothbay Region Ambulance Service also responded to the crash scene.

Route 27 was closed for approximately three hours while the investigation was being conducted.