AUBURN — A local man was seriously injured Thursday night when he was struck by a car on Court Street, in front of Denny’s Restaurant.

Police and rescue crews were called about 9 p.m. after the man was struck so hard that it flung him onto the windshield of the Audi that struck him, shattering it.

Witnesses at the scene said the injured pedestrian was Jesse Kontoes, 57. His condition was not immediately available late Thursday.

The identity of the driver was also not available. 

[Related: Auburn hosting pedestrian safety meeting]

Early reports were that Kontoes was unconscious but breathing after he was knocked into the street. When paramedics arrived, he reportedly regained consciousness and was taken to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, where he was still being evaluated more than an hour after the accident.

Police blocked off a section of Court Street, between Spring Street and Minot Avenue, as the man was treated and an investigation began. Police also notified the railroad of the emergency near the tracks that interest with Court Street.

Police were calling for a reconstruction expert to assist with the investigation.

The Audi had a shattered windshield and dented hood. Police said the driver, alone at the time of the crash, was cooperating with the investigation.

It appeared another automobile had rear-ended the Audi after the pedestrian was struck.

Several people who stood at the edge of Denny’s parking lot watching the rescue efforts said they did not see the accident, although one man reported hearing a thud.

Kontoes is well known in Lewiston, although several people said he has been a regular at Denny’s in recent months.

Police and rescue crews at the scene of a car-pedestrian accident late Thursday on Court Street in Auburn. (Mark LaFlamme/Sun Journal)