Maine man leads police on high-speed chase, rams police cruiser

Maine man leads police on high-speed chase, rams police cruiser




Crime

He was charged with operating under the influence, eluding an officer, reckless conduct, and criminal speed.

A Maine man led police on a high-speed chase early Sunday morning that crossed state lines after he allegedly crashed into a New Hampshire State Police cruiser, authorities said.

Matthew Olsen, 44, of Harrison, was arrested on I-95 after driving over a curb at the Kennebunk Rest Area. He was charged with operating under the influence, eluding an officer, reckless conduct, and criminal speed, according to Maine State Police.

Just after midnight, New Hampshire State Police reported the high-speed pursuit to Maine State Police. After Olsen failed to stop for a local police department, New Hampshire troopers attempted to stop Olsen’s Dodge Ram pick-up truck, allegedly for speeding “and erratic driving,” officials said.

During the chase, Olsen allegedly rammed one of the New Hampshire State Police’s cruisers, Maine State Police said in a release.

Olsen crossed state lines into Maine on the Turnpike, where Maine troopers began their pursuit, authorities said. The chase continued north until Olsen damaged his tires at the Kennebunk Rest Area.

Troopers “successfully disabled Olsen’s truck using the Precision Immobilization Technique” on I-95, Maine State Police said. The PIT maneuver, used by law enforcement officials, stops fleeing vehicle by abruptly spinning it 180 degrees, causing the car to stall and stop.

Olsen was transported to a local hospital as a precaution before taken to York County Jail, Maine State Police said.

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Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.



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