Holden man faces trial for hit-and-run in Brewer

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – The trial began this morning for a Holden man who faces multiple charges after authorities say he struck an elderly pedestrian on Eastern Avenue in Brewer last July and left the scene of the accident.

51-year-old David Mackenzie is accused of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, grievous bodily harm and hit-and-run.

He was arrested five days after the accident after police found his car at his home on Clark Hill Road.

The defense claims MacKenzie had no idea he had hit a person when the accident occurred.

They say he stopped his car for about a minute upon impact when he saw a wheelbarrow and grass clippings scattered on the road.

The defense claims McKenzie didn't see him because it was a dark intersection and 87-year-old Ira Williams was wearing dark clothing and a dark hat when it happened.

Employees who worked that day, including the general manager of Hide Tide in Brewer, were interviewed.

Her testimony and surveillance footage show that McKenzie drank twelve beers (650 ml each) during the six hours he spent at the restaurant.

The public prosecutor also called in a state chemist.

Although McKenzie was not arrested until several hours after the accident, they calculated that his blood alcohol level was 0.08 percent or more.

Williams was responsive and taken to the hospital after the accident.

The trial will continue tomorrow morning.

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