Sunday, January 27, 2013

Vehicle accident on Main Street in Jonesport


On 1-27-2013 at approximately 0604 hours the Washington County Regional Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a serious injury, 2 vehicle accident on Main Street in Jonesport. Mr. Peta Johnson (12-19-1960) from Beals was the callers, he was also one of the persons involved in the crash.

Sgt. Randy Perry from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Units from the Moosabec Ambulance Service, Jonesport Fire Department, and Addison Fire Departments also responded to assist. The crash consisted of two vehicles, both having a single operator/occupant.

Mr. Johnson was transported to the Machias Hospital with minor injuries. Mr. Randy Thistlewood (11-13-1956) of Jonesport was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was later extricated from the vehicle using the “Jaws of Life” and taken to Bragdon Kelley Funeral Home.


Initial crash investigation by the Sheriff’s Office has determined the following information. Mr. Thistlewood was traveling east on Main Street operating a 1999 Chevy Malibu. Preliminary investigation also indicated that Mr. Thistlewood was traveling at a high rate of speed, well in excess of the posted 25 mph speed limit. Mr. Johnson was traveling west operating a 1994 Ford F-150. Mr. Thistslewood began to lose control of the vehicle and began to skid. Upon doing so his vehicle crossed the centerline sideswiping Mr. Johnson’s truck head on. As a result of the impact Mr. Thistlewood was killed.


Neither operator was wearing a seatbelt. Airbags were deployed on Mr. Thistlewood’s vehicle.

The accident remains under investigation.

For further questions or inquiries please contact Lt. Travis Willey at the Sheriff’s Office 207-255-8308 or via email at willeyt@wcsheriffsoffice.com.

Lt. Travis J. Willey
Washington County SO
83 Court Street
Machias, ME
207-255-4422