The Cumberland Sheriff’s Department arrested a Freeport man on Thursday after he allegedly crashed into a cruiser while attempting to flee deputies and was eventually tased by deputies.
At approximately 5:13 p.m., the department received a report of an erratic driver who almost struck multiple other vehicles near West Gray Road and Center Road in Gray.
The caller identified the vehicle as a dark-colored Nissan sedan, which had just turned onto Shaker Road and blown through a red light.
Deputies responded and allegedly spotted the vehicle operating erratically and initiated a traffic stop.
A deputy made contact with the driver, but he allegedly fled the stop at high speed and continued on Shaker Road.
The driver then allegedly struck a marked Cumberland cruiser while attempting to flee.
The chase continued into Poland, where the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office and Mechanic Falls Police Department joined the pursuit.
The suspect was located on White Oak Hill Road in Poland, and his vehicle was disabled.
Even after his vehicle was stopped, the suspect allegedly continued to resist arrest until he was tased and taken into custody.
Law enforcement identified the suspect as John Arsenault, 51, of Freeport. He was initially transported to the Maine Medical Center for treatment for minor injuries before being transported to the Cumberland County Jail.
He faces charges of eluding, reckless conduct, driving to endanger, operating under the influence, violating conditions of release, criminal speed, criminal mischief, and refusing to submit to arrest or detention.
Additional charges may be forthcoming following further investigation.
