If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TTY 1-800-437-1220. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.
A Bowdoinham man who allegedly led police on a high-speed chase and forced a woman into his car has been arrested.
Joseph Cloutier, 44, faces charges of domestic violence assault, criminal speeding, failure to stop, violating conditions of release and operating after suspension, Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said Monday morning.
Cloutier was allegedly speeding in a red 2024 Nissan Altima north on Interstate 295, near mile marker 36, in Bowdoinham about 8:22 a.m. Sunday when a state trooper tried to stop him, according to Moss.
Cloutier left the interstate at exit 37, leading the trooper on a high-speed chase onto Post Road, Cemetery Road and then Ridge Road, where the trooper stopped the pursuit as Cloutier entered a residential area, Moss said.
He was later spotted in the parking lot of the Topsham Hannaford, where Cloutier allegedly assaulted his female passenger before forcing her back into the Nissan.
Police tracked the Nissan to a Carding Machine Road residence in Bowdoinham, where Cloutier then fled into the woods.
The victim was found at the residence, too, and Moss said Monday that she is safe.
Police dogs and a Maine Forest Service helicopter were unsuccessful in locating Cloutier, who remained at large Monday morning.
But by mid-morning, he was arrested on Carding Machine Road, the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office said later on Monday.
He has been turned over to the Topsham Police Department.
No additional information was immediately released.
