Mechanic Falls Police Department

10/06/2026

Drivers Urged to Protect Pedestrians
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians.

On average, in 2024, a pedestrian died every 74 minutes and one was injured every 7 minutes in traffic crashes. There were an estimated 71,635 pedestrians injured in 2024 and 7,080 pedestrians were killed — a 4% decrease from 2023. But pedestrian fatalities still remain high in the United States, accounting for 18% of all traffic fatalities in 2024. This highlights a critical safety issue that impacts everyone. [A3.1]

“In [Community], we want to help ensure that our pedestrians are safe on the sidewalks, crossing the street — anywhere that people walk they should be able to do so without fear or stress. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for pedestrians, slow down, and incorporate pedestrian awareness into their driving routines,”[A4.1] said [Local Official].

At some point during the day, everyone is a pedestrian. NHTSA offers these driving tips to keep everyone safe:

• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions — 76% of pedestrian fatalities in 2024 occurred in the dark.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, around schools, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Drive sober — alcohol use (for the driver and/or pedestrian) was reported in 43% of all fatal pedestrian crashes in 2024.
• Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Look out for pedestrians everywhere and minimize blind spots.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where drivers can’t see.

October is recognized as National Pedestrian Safety Month, which is especially timely as more pedestrians will be out towards the end of the month for Halloween. Drivers should be aware that on Halloween evening, there will likely be more pedestrians on the roads and in unexpected places. Families will be trick-or-treating with children who may be unaware of surrounding traffic and quick to dart into the street.

For more information about pedestrian safety, please visit NHTSA.gov/Pedestrian

10/01/2026

09/28/2026

💊 Drug Take Back Day

The next Drug Take Back event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The flyer lists all participating locations throughout Androscoggin County.

As always, most law enforcement agencies have a medication drop-off receptacle where you can safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications.

Please note: We cannot accept liquids or needles.

Help keep unwanted medications out of homes, waterways, and the wrong hands by taking advantage of this safe disposal opportunity.

08/24/2026

School starts Wednesday in RSU 16. Please drive careful.

08/03/2026

We would like to offer our sympathies to the family of Rudolph Kyllonen Jr on his passing. Rudy served as a reserve officer for the Mechanic Falls Police Department for about six years. Our thoughts are with the entire Kyllonen family.

08/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 02, 2026

On Saturday, August 01, 2026, at around 09:37 p.m. officers from the Mechanic Falls Police Department were dispatched to the area of 16 Pleasant St. in Mechanic Falls for a report of a vehicle vs pedestrian collision. Officers were assisted on scene by the Mechanic Falls Fire Department who were first on scene providing aid to the pedestrian.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Matthew Webb, 28, of Mechanic Falls, was crossing Pleasant St. when he was struck by a 2018 Ford Edge operated by a Taylor Brown, 28, of Poland. Mr. Webb suffered serious injuries and was transported to Central Maine Medical Center for treatment. Both Mrs. Brown and her adult male passenger were evaluated at the scene and did not require transport.

Pleasant Street was closed for just four hours while emergency personnel investigated the crash and cleared the scene.

A crash reconstructionist from the Lewiston Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. Assisting agencies included Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office, and United Ambulance Service.

The crash remains under investigation.