Fryeburg police: 8 juveniles ran away after SUV crashed into tree

FRYEBURG — A vehicle driven by an unlicensed 15-year-old female and containing seven other juvenile passengers crashed into a tree Friday morning, the 15-year-old fleeing into the woods, according to Fryeburg police.

The white 1999 Cadillac Escalade was taken without permission from a residence on Meadow Lane, Fryeburg Police Chief Joshua Potvin wrote in a news release. The incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m., police said.

Fryeburg police officers located the minors shortly thereafter — two of whom were taken to Maine Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. Three of the other passengers were treated on the scene for minor injuries.

The names of the driver and occupants will not be released at this time due to their age, Potvin said.

Potvin said criminal charges for those involved are most likely forthcoming.

“This crash is still under investigation,” he said. “Speed coupled with driver inattention and experience appear to be causing factors. The occupants are extremely fortunate to be alive today.”

Fryeburg police officers say several juveniles were injured when a 1999 Cadillac Escalade hit a tree Friday morning. (Fryeburg Police Department photo)Fryeburg police officers say several juveniles were injured when a 1999 Cadillac Escalade hit a tree Friday morning. (Fryeburg Police Department photo)Fryeburg police officers say several juveniles were injured when a 1999 Cadillac Escalade hit a tree Friday morning. (Fryeburg Police Department photo)Fryeburg police officers say several juveniles were injured when a 1999 Cadillac Escalade hit a tree Friday morning. (Fryeburg Police Department photo)