Electric bicyclist in critical condition after Fort Kent crash

FORT KENT, Maine — A Fort Kent man is in critical condition after a motor vehicle and electric-bike crash on Thursday morning. Lonnie Charette, 65, was driving southbound on an e-bike on Market Street at approximately 10:10 a.m. when the crash occurred, according to Fort Kent Police Chief Michael DeLena. Ian Bourgoin, 37, of St. Francis was driving a 2017 Dodge Caravan and entered the roadway ahead of Charette. “Charette dumped the bike in an attempt to avoid the collision but slid into the vehicle operated by Bourgoin,” DeLena said. Police said Charette was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Charette was transported to Northern Maine Medical Center with serious injuries and is in critical condition. Bourgoin was not injured. Market Street was temporarily closed during the investigation. Police were assisted by Fort Kent Fire and Rescue, Ambulance Service and Presque Isle Police Department Crash Reconstructionist Sgt. Kyle White. Sgt. Cole Pelletier of the Fort Kent Police Department is the lead investigator on the case. Police said there are no notable contributing factors to report at this time.