Police: 3 FairPoint picketers hit by vehicle driven by replacement worker in Keene

Police say three striking FairPoint workers were struck by a vehicle driven by a replacement worker as they were picketing in Keene.

Keene police say one picketer went to the hospital for an evaluation Tuesday afternoon but did not have serious injuries. The two others refused medical treatment.

Authorities say the replacement worker drove across a picket line Tuesday afternoon and hit the three picketers.

Police are still investigating the incident and have not determined if the driver will be charged.

More than 1,700 workers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont have been on strike since Oct. 17. They dismissed an invitation Monday by FairPoint to return to work, saying the company was growing desperate because of service problems.

The company imposed its final contract offer in late August.