Augusta, Maine, Teenager Drives Car Into Kennebec River; He & Passenger Forced to Swim Ashore

A Maine teenager has been charged with driving to endanger following an incident that unfolded on Monday evening in Augusta.

According to the Kennebec Journal, Augusta Police and Fire responded to the east side boat landing between Memorial Bridge and the Calumet Bridge for reports of a car in the water on August 7.

The emergency response came just after 6 p.m. as officials arrived on the shores of the Kennebec River, the newspaper stated, and Augusta Police Sgt. Eric Lloyd entered the river and swam over to the floating car.

At that time, the driver and the passenger were able to exit the vehicle and swim back to shore, according to the KJ, and they reportedly were able to climb out through one of the car's windows.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Saleh Omar Kharfan, 19, of Augusta, Maine, has been charged with driving to endanger. At this time, the passenger that was in the vehicle at the time of the crash is not being identified by police, the newspaper reported.

Augusta police are continuing their investigation into the crash and, at least at this time, are not saying what led to the vehicle crashing into the Kennebec River on Monday evening, according to the KJ.

After the occupants swam to shore the vehicle floated down river before submerging near Memorial Bridge, the newspaper reported. The Kennebec Journal reports that Augusta Fire was assisted on the scene by Statewide Towing to get the vehicle out of the river.

This is a developing story and we will continue to keep it updated as more information becomes available.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.