The truck driver who admitted to motor vehicle violations that led to the 2019 death of a Maine state trooper was fined $15,000 on Friday, News Center Maine (WCSH/WLBZ) reported.
Detective Benjamin Campbell, 31, had stopped on April 3, 2019, to help a stranded driver during a snowstorm on Interstate 95 near Bangor when a wheel from a passing logging truck flew off and struck him.
Scott Willett, 55, of Patten is the owner and driver of the truck. Appearing on Friday in Penobscot County Superior Court, Willett admitted to one civil count of death by violation and five motor carrier rule violations as part of a plea agreement, News Center Maine reported. In addition to the $15,000 fine, his license will be suspended for six months – both provisions that were sought by R. Chris Almy, assistant district attorney for Penobscot County.
Campbell was on his way to a training event when he responded to a report of a stranded motorist who had spun out on a slippery section of the highway. Campbell arrived on the scene, pulled over and put on his emergency lights when Willett’s logging truck passed him. As Willett passed, two wheels detached from the truck, one striking and killing Campbell. He sustained massive injuries and was pronounced dead at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.
Maine State Police have said that Willett was following the law and was driving safely when he switched lanes to get out of Campbell’s way, and that he was not driving under the influence. But they said the truck didn’t receive a full and thorough inspection.
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