A 27-year-old Vassalboro man was arrested Thursday night after police say he forced his way into a Fairfield home, fled in a vehicle, and led officers on a chase through Waterville before crashing and attempting to run from the scene.
Maine State Police, along with officers from the Fairfield and Waterville police departments, responded around 9:21 p.m. to a reported burglary in progress at a residence on Dyer Court. Authorities said an armed man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs had broken into the home, acted erratically and damaged property.
A State Police trooper arrived to find a man fleeing the residence and getting into a black Ford sedan. The suspect ignored commands, yelled out the window, and backed up the street before speeding away, police said.
A pursuit continued into Waterville, ending when the suspect’s vehicle struck a guardrail on Water Street. The driver ran from the vehicle but was taken into custody a short time later. No injuries were reported.
Police identified the suspect as Joel Williams, who was transported to the Somerset County Jail. Williams faces charges including burglary, criminal mischief, terrorizing, eluding an officer, driving to endanger, operating under the influence of drugs, leaving the scene of a crash, criminal speed, reckless conduct, refusing to submit to arrest, and violating conditions of release.
