Man arrested after chase, crash in Waterville

WATERVILLE, ME — A Waterville man faces multiple charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle and leading police on a chase that ended with a crashed cruiser.

Christopher Poirier, 38, of Waterville, was arrested Sunday morning following the incident that began at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 21.

Waterville Police Department officers responded to Dunkin Donuts on College Avenue for a report of a stolen black Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

Officers located the stolen vehicle on Kennedy Memorial Drive and attempted a traffic stop.

Poirier refused to stop and led police on a chase southbound on the interstate toward Augusta.

Prior to the chase, Poirier had been removed from a local business at the request of staff.

Waterville police officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device on the interstate, but Poirier continued traveling southbound with partially deflated tires.

Maine State Police joined the pursuit before the vehicle exited Interstate 95 at Exit 113.

State police successfully executed a Precision Immobilization Technique.

During the chase, Poirier struck a Waterville police cruiser, completely disabling it.

After the vehicle came to rest, Poirier fled on foot but was taken into custody a short time later on Old Belgrade Road.

Poirier was charged with eluding an officer, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, aggravated criminal mischief, theft by unauthorized taking, driving to endanger, operating with a suspended license and criminal speed.

He was transported to Kennebec County Jail on $2,560 bail.