NEW LIMERICK, Maine — Police charged a 30-year-old Houlton man with multiple offenses Thursday after they say he led officers on a high-speed chase and caused an accident with a cruiser.
Sgt. Matthew Quint was on routine patrol on Smyrna Street at about 4:37 p.m. Thursday when he noticed a 2007 Toyota Corolla being driven at a high rate of speed, according to Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca.
The driver of the vehicle, who was identified as Brandon Pinchott, did not stop for Sgt. Quint and a pursuit ensued, DeLuca said.
Quint followed the vehicle to the intersection of Smyrna and North streets, where the driver ran a red light and made a right-hand turn toward town, the chief reported. Pinchott then proceeded to turn right onto Mill Street and back onto Smyrna Street heading south, with Quint in pursuit.
“We had some concerns about the operation of the vehicle,” DeLuca said. “The driver was operating extremely erratic and at times confronted oncoming traffic. It became apparent that the driver was more than just attempting to elude, he was daring in his behavior.”
Because of the driver’s aggressive approach, Houlton officers continued their pursuit past the Houlton-New Limerick town line, according to DeLuca. Pinchott reached speeds in excess of 90 mph during the pursuit, which lasted about 15 minutes.
The chief said the pursuit ended when the operator slowed to about 45 mph before slamming on his brakes, causing Quint’s patrol car to slam into the back of the Corolla. The impact caused Pinchott to lose control of the vehicle, which went airborne, left the left-hand side of the road and rolled over multiple times.
The Houlton Fire and Rescue Department was called because it was first reported that the driver was trapped inside the car. Pinchott was unconscious, but soon awoke and was able to exit the vehicle with the help of Quint, the chief said.
DeLuca said the operator was extremely intoxicated and was taken to Houlton Regional Hospital for observation before being transferred to the Aroostook County Jail. He was later released on bail.
Pinchott was charged with operating after license suspension, operating under the influence, eluding an officer, criminal mischief, driving to endanger and criminal speed.
The chief said the vehicle was owned by the operator’s girlfriend, but he did not name the woman. The Corolla received extensive damage, while damage to the cruiser was “minimal,” the chief added.
“In these cases, it is a tough decision whether to pursue or not,” the chief said. “Based on his erratic operation, we knew it was more than just a simple traffic violation. We felt it was important to apprehend him as soon as possible.”
The chief added that traffic on the road was relatively light and he felt police had a good chance to stop the vehicle as members of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office were approaching from the south to assist with the pursuit. Neither the driver, nor Quint were injured.
