An Otisfield man allegedly led police on a low-speed chase before stealing another vehicle to continue fleeing.
Saggi Hodhr Averysson, 45, was charged with eluding an officer, failing to stop for police, driving to endanger, aggravated criminal mischief, criminal mischief, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, criminal intent, operating under the influence and violating his conditions of release, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
More charges are likely, the sheriff’s office said.
Averysson was allegedly driving a white pickup truck under the influence and “acting oddly” on North Road in Bridgton about 12:08 p.m. Sunday.
When police stopped him on Orchard Lane, Averysson drove away. He was stopped again and refused orders to exit the truck before driving away again, the sheriff’s office said.
Police tried to stop Averysson again on North Road but he allegedly continued to flee at low speeds while driving erratically.
Averysson turned onto South High Street, where he allegedly drove across someone’s lawn, significantly damaging the yard, outdoor furniture and other property, according to the sheriff’s office.
Eventually, police deployed a tire deflation device, which took out the driver’s side tires on the truck. Averysson allegedly then rammed a Maine State Police cruiser, pushing it into a sheriff’s vehicle, before ramming another deputy’s cruiser.
Averysson allegedly got out of the pickup truck and then stole another vehicle and continued to flee from police down South High Street onto Sandy Creek and Portland Road, according to the sheriff’s office.
During the chase, Averysson allegedly drove onto the sidewalk and then became stuck outside a business before being taken into custody.
A search of the truck turned up suspected drugs, the sheriff’s office said.
Averysson was taken to the Cumberland County Jail in Portland.
The investigation is ongoing.
No additional information was immediately available.
