A West Newfield man died Friday night after being hit by a car that a woman drove onto a Sanford baseball field before speeding through a gate the man was trying to close, police told News Center Maine.
Carol Sharrow
The station said the driver of the car, 51-year-old Carol Sharrow of Sanford, was arrested Friday night and charged with manslaughter in the death of Douglas Parkhurst, 68. The man died at a local hospital.
Police told the Portland TV station that there were 200 to 300 people in the stands at Goodall Park when the woman drove onto the field, narrowly missing players and coaches.
Witnesses to the incident posted in a Sanford community Facebook group that the man was trying to close a gate when he was hit. A video posted by a witness shows a maroon sedan speeding clockwise around the bases while people run from the field and children in the stands scream.
Justin Clifton told News Center Maine (WCSH/WLBZ) that he was playing basketball when he saw the incident.
“I saw the car pull out of the gate right over there and this guy had some kids with him,” he said. “After the car got off the field, (the driver) came to the gate and the older guy pushed the kids right out of the way. He took the hit for the kids.”
Sanford Little League officials posted on Facebook that all players who saw the incident were physically unharmed.
“We want to share our heartfelt gratitude that physically all of our players from Babe Ruth and Little League are safe and our deep sorrow to the family of the brave man that gave his life tonight protecting others,” the Facebook post said.
Little League officials said two of the teams that witnessed the incident are scheduled to play a doubleheader Saturday morning at LL Park. They encouraged community members and players from other teams to come to the game with jerseys on to support the 8-, 9- and 10-year-old players.
“Let’s come together to show community pride and help these boys feel safe to return to their beloved field,” officials wrote on Facebook.
Police said Sharrow could face additional charges.
Calls to police were not returned late Friday night and additional details were not immediately available. Roberts Street was closed while police investigated.
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