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SACO - Police are still reconstructing a bicycling accident that killed a 7-year-old boy Friday afternoon, but new information
could change the focus of their investigation.
After meeting with the parents of Weston Pierson on Tuesday, Deputy
Police Chief Charles Labonte today said it became clear that their son was pushing his bike across Bradley Street - not riding
it - when he was struck by a car.
"This changes the chain of events in reconstructing (the accident),"
Labonte said. "It changes whether or not he darted out (in front of the car) or if he was standing on the side of the
road. It can effect the cause and effect."
Pierson was hit by a car driven by Charlene Blanchette, 31, of North
Waterboro, in front of his home shortly after 4:30 p.m. Friday. He suffered internal injuries and was transported to Maine
Medical Center in Portland for surgery. He died at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Police initially said Blanchette did
not see the boy in time to stop.
No charges have been filed against Blanchette. Although the investigation is continuing,
police have ruled out excessive speed and alcohol consumption as causes.
"We need to look at every possible
angle," Labonte said. "We'll look at it from every point of view. We'll gather physical evidence and statements
before we contribute a cause factor."
He said investigating officers are scheduled to meet later this week to
discuss the findings of the accident reconstruction.
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