RUMFORD — Three suspects remain at large after firing multiple rounds at police officers during a high-speed chase that ended with a crashed vehicle and a seven-hour manhunt.
A Rumford Police officer attempted to stop a suspicious silver-and-black Dodge Charger with multiple occupants on Eaton Hill Road at approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday.
The vehicle immediately fled at high speed, prompting the officer to initiate a pursuit with a second Rumford officer joining the chase.
The suspects traveled westbound on U.S. Route 2 for approximately half a mile before turning onto South Rumford Road.
During the pursuit, suspects fired multiple volleys of gunfire from one or more AR-15-style rifles at the two pursuing officers on multiple occasions.
Oxford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist, with one deputy positioning at the South Rumford Road/State Route 232 intersection to deploy spike strips.
The lead officer’s cruiser became disabled during the chase, forcing the officer to abandon the vehicle and enter his partner’s cruiser to continue pursuit.
Officers located the suspect vehicle crashed in the S-curves on South Rumford Road, approximately one-quarter mile before the intersection with Milton Road.
The occupants had fled on foot into nearby woods, prompting officers to establish containment and call for additional units.
The Maine State Police Tactical Team was activated and deployed, with aerial drones and K-9 teams assisting in the search.
Two suspects were apprehended without injury during the nearly seven-hour search operation.
One suspect was taken into custody after emerging from the woods and walking southbound along State Route 232 near the Rumford/Milton town line.
A second suspect was arrested near Route 232 on Cemetery Road.
Police seized firearms, suspected illegal drugs and U.S. currency during the investigation.
Three Hispanic males believed to be in their 20s to 30s remain outstanding, according to preliminary descriptions.
The suspects were last seen wearing black sweatshirts, sweatpants and sneakers and may be armed with additional AR-15-style rifles and pistols.
Investigators believe the suspects do not live in the community and are no longer in the immediate area, possibly having left with assistance from an accomplice.
Police Chief Tony L. Milligan said the individuals are dangerous and pose a significant risk to officers and community members.
Anyone with information related to the case or the whereabouts of the outstanding suspects should call 911 or submit an anonymous tip at rumfordpd.org/contact-us.
