Charge unlikely for driver in crash that killed Maine deputy

TRENTON, Maine (AP) — The driver of a pick-up truck who struck and killed a sheriff’s deputy in rural Hancock County has been cooperating with authorities and is unlikely to face charges, police in Maine said on Friday.

Hancock County Deputy Luke Gross was hit by the vehicle on Route 3 early Thursday. Gross had been called to the scene of a crash in Trenton near the Ellsworth line around 4 a.m.

Gross parked his cruiser in the breakdown lane with emergency lights activated to investigate the crash, police said. He was picking up debris from the road at 5:15 a.m. when he was struck from behind by the truck, police said.

Gross, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was an 18-year member of the sheriff’s office whose death was mourned by members of the state’s public safety community.

The driver of the crashed vehicle fled the scene in his car before Gross arrived and was located a short distance away on Thursday, police said. The driver was charged with leaving the scene of a crash, illegal use of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of alcohol by a minor, police said.