BELFAST — A Searsport woman has been hit with a slew of charges following her Jan. 24 arrest.

Astin L. Merry, 31, first came to the attention of law enforcement when a concerned citizen called to report a single-vehicle crash on Belmont Avenue, according to Sergeant Matthew Cook, of the Belfast Police Department.

While en route to the scene, Belfast police learned that the operator of the crashed vehicle had left the scene after being picked up by a different vehicle. Officers were advised that the vehicle, described as a white box truck, had continued west, and was being followed by the original complainant.

After briefly stopping at the scene of the crash, which occurred near Belfast’s Perry’s Home Furnishings and Design, the officers continued on in pursuit of the truck.

They caught up with it a short time later, and reportedly witnessed Merry exit the vehicle and begin running up the road on foot.

When officers made contact with Merry they became suspicious that she was impaired, according to Cook.

After running Merry’s information through their system, police discovered she had three warrants for her arrest and a suspended license. She was also under bail conditions.

Standard field sobriety tests were administered, with Merry performed poorly on them, police said.

Due to Merry’s disheveled appearance and behaviour, she was transported to Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH) by ambulance to ensure she was medically healthy enough for incarceration, police said.  

While Merry was being evaluated at WCGH, Belfast police returned to the scene of the crash, where they found drug paraphernalia, illegally attached plates, and a stolen inspection sticker.

Merry’s blood was drawn while at the hospital, and the clothing she was wearing upon her arrival was searched before being returned to her. 

Merry was arrested for driving to endanger, receiving stolen property, violating conditions of release, operating under the influence, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and operating after suspension. She was also issued summonses for sale and use of drug paraphernalia, displaying a fictitious inspection sticker, and attaching false plates.

After being medically cleared, Merry was transported to Waldo County Jail where she remains in custody.

She is due in Belfast District Court March 10.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com