On September 10 at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Caribou Police Department received a complaint of a stolen vehicle from a local health care facility. The vehicle, a white 1999 Chrysler minivan, was located within minutes of the report by Sgt. Mark Gahagan of the Caribou Police Department.
The driver, who was later identified as 21-year-old Dustin Badger of Fort Fairfield, was pulling onto Main Street from Grove Street in the stolen van when Sgt. Gahagan activated his blue lights to initiate a stop. When Badger saw the cruiser, he eluded the police and took off onto Main Street. Sgt. Gahagan pursued the vehicle onto the West Presque Isle Road where the chase continued into Presque Isle.
Badger drove over a spike mat deployed by the Presque Isle Police Department on the McBurnie Road and continued into the city of Presque Isle, heading up Mechanic Street toward The Forum. Badger lost control of the van, striking an embankment, and fled on foot. He was apprehended by Sgt. Gahagan and Officer Kevin Reed of the PIPD.
After his arrest, Badger was taken to the CPD and charged with seven felony crimes, including theft, aggravated criminal mischief, three counts of refusing to stop for a law enforcement officer, operating after suspension, reckless conduct, and violation of conditional release.
In addition to Reed, the CPD was assisted by the PIPD’s Sgt. Mark Barnes and Officer Joey Seeley. Jerry’s Towing Service of Presque Isle removed the van from the scene.
Badger’s arraignment date is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31.
