ROCKLAND, ME — A man was arrested after allegedly swallowing suspected narcotics during a struggle with police officers conducting a bail check.
Lance Chipman, 39, of Thomaston, was stopped by Rockland Police around 6:20 p.m. on June 3, 2026.
Chipman was free on multiple sets of bail conditions including prior charges of felony aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs, violation of conditions of release and refusing to submit to arrest or detention using physical force.
During a search, officers located a bag of suspected illicit narcotics.
While officers were recovering the suspected narcotics, Chipman grabbed the bag from the officers and swallowed the suspected narcotics during a subsequent struggle, police said.
Chipman was transported for medical treatment to prevent a possible overdose.
He was arrested and booked into the Knox County Holding Facility on charges of violation of conditions of release, refusing to submit to arrest or detention and falsifying physical evidence.
