State Trooper Seriously Injured in Presque Isle Crash [UPDATE]

{UPDATE]   State Trooper Shawn Whalen, who was airlifted to a Bangor hospital after being injured Monday in a collision on Route 1 in Presque Isle has been discharged from the hospital.  A spokesperson for Eastern Maine Medical Center said Whalen was in fair condition after being treated for a hip injury and he is no longer a patient at the hospital.

From Tuesday, February 26:

A state trooper is in the hospital after a crash on Route 1, just north of Presque Isle.  Shortly after 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, Trooper Shawn Whalen was traveling south when he attempted to turn around in the roadway to reverse direction.

State Police say a 2006 Dodge Stratus, operated by 49 year old Eric Rosten of Presque Isle was traveling behind Trooper Whalen. Mr. Rosten couldn’t slow down in time and struck the driver’s side of the police cruiser.

Whalen suffered a hip injury and was transported via Crown Ambulance to TAMC and later flown to Eastern Maine Medical in Bangor via Fresh Air for further treatment.  Rosten had a minor injury to his hand and was not taken to the hospital.

According to State Police Sgt. Brian Harris, both vehicles are a total loss.  Both drivers were wearing their seat belts and Rosten’s airbags also deployed.   Trooper Whalen’s police K9, Bailey was also in the car at the time but was not injured.

Presque Isle PD, Crown Ambulance and Presque Isle Fire Department assisted Sgt. Harris at the scene.  Route 1 was closed down for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated.