Driver charged with OUI after Sabattus Street crash

Lewiston police look at a minivan that slammed into a tree in front of 629 Sabattus St. on Wednesday night. The driver was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. Mark Laflamme/Sun Journal

LEWISTON – A local man was arrested Wednesday night after driving off Sabattus Street, taking out a fire hydrant and then crashing into a tree.

Faiz Luka, 42, of 895 Lisbon St., was charged with driving while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license after walking away from the 10:30 p.m. crash in front of 629 Sabattus St.

Luka lost control of his minivan just beyond Holy Family Church, ripping a fire hydrant out of the ground, crossing two lawns and slamming into a tree, narrowly missing a house a few feet away.

When police arrived, they found Luka walking near the church parking lot. He was examined by paramedics and found to be not seriously injured, police said.

Luka was taken to the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn and released on bail about 4 p.m. Thursday.

It was the second time in two months a vehicle has crashed into the property at 629 Sabattus St. Earlier in the summer, a woman crashed into a fence there, taking part of it down.