BIDDEFORD — A 39-year-old Ellsworth man was seriously injured after being struck by a truck while attempting to cross the Maine Turnpike to evade police on Sept. 28.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. near mile 32 in Biddeford when Jared Felling ran across the northbound lanes of the turnpike while fleeing from Biddeford Police.
Michael Kilmer, 68, of West Virginia, initially believed he had struck a deer while driving his truck northbound on the turnpike.
After reviewing his in-truck camera footage, Kilmer contacted Portland Police to report that he had actually struck a pedestrian who was running across the highway.
State Police troopers located Felling in a tall marshy area near the exit, suffering from serious injuries to his legs and head as well as early stages of hypothermia.
Troopers provided aid until Kennebunk Fire Rescue arrived and transported Felling to Maine Medical Center in Portland.
His injuries were considered serious but non-life-threatening.
State Police investigation revealed that Felling had been caught stealing from vehicles near the Biddeford exit and was actively fleeing police when he attempted to cross the turnpike.
Investigators also determined that Felling had removed his court-ordered ankle monitor earlier that day in Ellsworth.
The Waldo County Sheriff’s Office had issued a temporary arrest warrant for Felling for violation of conditional release.
