Editor’s Note: See the print edition of the Journal Tribune Weekend for an accompanying article about the state’s efforts to combat drunk driving.
BIDDEFORD — On Friday, the Biddeford Police Department arrested David P. Labonte, 56, of 41 Cathedral Oaks Drive, Biddeford.
Labonte is charged with manslaughter and aggravated operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor in connection with an accident that occurred on Aug. 2 that resulted in the death of Jamerico Elliott, 52, of Biddeford, on Wednesday.
Labonte was processed at the Biddeford Police Department and then transported to the York County Jail in Alfred where he is being held on $100,000 cash bail, according to a statement from police.
Labonte is scheduled for his initial appearance in court on Monday, in Springvale District Court.
On Aug. 2, at approximately 6 p.m., Labonte was driving northbound on Elm Street when he allegedly crossed the centerline and struck three people on bicycles who were heading south. His vehicle also collided with a parked car and a house, according to police reports.
The three people on bikes included Elliott, Melodie Brennan, 30, also of Biddeford, and their 15-month-old son, Lavarice Elliott.
Both father and son had serious injuries and were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland. On Wednesday, Jamerico Elliott died of accident-related injuries.
Labonte’s blood alcohol level was taken at the hospital after the accident. His blood alcohol was measured at a level that translated to .179, said York County District Attorney Kathryn Slattery, more than twice the .08 legal limit.
After securing a warrant, police took a blood alcohol reading about two hours later, she said. Results from the state crime lab, which were received yesterday, she said, confirmed a .15 blood alcohol level.
The delay in arresting Labonte was in order to receive the result of the blood test from the crime lab, said Slattery.
On Monday, bail will be addressed, she said, and bail conditions will be set.
Slattery said the case was being reviewed to make a determination of what amount of bail to request.
“We won’t request anything less” than the current bail, she said.
Labonte faces a prison term of up to 30 years and/or a $50,000 fine and permanent loss of his driver’s license.
Neither Labonte nor his lawyer could be reached for comment prior to press time.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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