BOWDOINHAM — Maine State Police are searching for a 44-year-old Bowdoinham man who fled on foot after allegedly assaulting a female passenger and leading police on a high-speed chase.
On Sunday, May 11, at approximately 8:22 a.m., a Maine State Trooper observed a red 2024 Nissan Altima entering I-295 northbound at mile marker 31 in Topsham at a high rate of speed.
The trooper caught up to the vehicle around mile marker 36 northbound in Bowdoinham and activated his blue lights and siren, but the vehicle accelerated instead of stopping.
After exiting the interstate at mile marker 37, the vehicle continued at high speed onto Post Road, then Center Road, Cemetery Road, and Ridge Road.
The trooper terminated the 2.5-mile pursuit due to public safety concerns in the residential area.
Shortly afterward, Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office informed State Police that Topsham Police had received a report of a domestic violence incident involving the same vehicle.
A witness reported seeing the male driver assault a female passenger and force her back into the vehicle in the Hannaford parking lot in Topsham before fleeing.
The vehicle was later located at a residence on Carding Machine Road in Bowdoinham.
When Sagadahoc Deputies attempted to make contact with the driver, identified as Joseph Cloutier of Bowdoinham, he fled on foot into a wooded area.
The female victim was located and is safe.
A K9 track was conducted, and the Maine Forest Service deployed their helicopter for aerial support, but Cloutier was not located.
An arrest warrant has been drafted for multiple charges, including Domestic Violence Assault, Criminal Speed, Failure to Stop, Violating Conditions of Release, and Operating After Suspension.
Authorities say there is no known danger to the public.
