Fourteen motorists called 911 Saturday afternoon to report an allegedly dangerous driver traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph on Interstate 295, helping Maine State Police track the vehicle north until troopers were able to make a traffic stop in Waterville.
The reports began around 3:35 p.m. on Aug. 15, when the Bangor Regional Communications Center started receiving calls about a vehicle traveling northbound on I-295 in the Bowdoinham area.
Callers reported that the vehicle was traveling more than 100 mph and being driven erratically, according to Maine State Police.
As the vehicle continued north, additional motorists called 911 and provided updated mile markers, allowing dispatchers and troopers to narrow down its location in real time.
In all, 14 people called 911 to report the vehicle’s driving, according to police.
Troopers eventually located the vehicle farther north on Interstate 95 in Waterville. Police said troopers observed driving consistent with what callers had reported before conducting a traffic stop.
Following a roadside investigation, Alexandre Forsythe, 22, of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, was charged with criminal operating under the influence and criminal speed.
The incident highlights the role motorists can play in alerting law enforcement to potentially dangerous drivers, particularly when multiple callers provide updated locations as a vehicle travels along Maine’s interstate system.
No crashes or injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Forsythe has been charged but has not been convicted. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
