A van belonging to a local electric bike shop was stolen in April, leading to a multi-agency police chase through Portland. The distinctive teal van, owned by Pedego Electric Bike store, was spotted by Yarmouth police shortly after it crossed the town line. Following an alert from Portland police, the Yarmouth officers pursued the vehicle north on Route 1. A Freeport detective in an unmarked car later joined the chase despite departmental policies discouraging the use of unmarked vehicles in continuous pursuits.
As the van re-entered Portland, the pursuit was captured by bystanders and shared widely on social media. At least eight police cruisers, with sirens and flashing lights, trailed the van through the city. A review of the chase policies from the involved departments revealed that the large-scale response contravened some internal rules. However, leaders from the police departments justified the breaches, citing the driver’s aggression, which included hitting two police cruisers before being apprehended on Commercial Street’s railroad tracks.
Each department’s pursuit policy outlines conditions that must be assessed before engaging in a chase, such as road conditions and the level of threat posed by the suspect. Officers are advised to avoid dangerous pursuits unless there is an urgent need to apprehend the suspect. The policies also restrict the number of officers involved in a chase to ensure safety.
The incident began when the van was reported missing from the Pedego Electric Bike store in Portland. Portland police attempted to stop the driver near Falmouth’s border, but the suspect evaded them by heading north. The real pursuit began in Yarmouth, where officers noticed the van on Route 1. Freeport police were alerted and subsequently joined the chase when the van was spotted near a major intersection.
Although department policies typically limit the involvement of unmarked vehicles in pursuits, the Freeport detective participated because of the immediate situation. The chase continued as the van returned to Portland, with Yarmouth police trying to detain the driver near Exit 17. When attempts to capture the driver failed, and the van reversed into a police cruiser, additional units from Freeport and Yarmouth, along with a Maine State Police trooper, continued the pursuit.
According to officials, the van reached speeds of up to 90 mph on the highway and up to 50 mph on city streets, where limits were significantly lower. The chase involved various law enforcement agencies, and at certain points, a notable number of police vehicles were filmed during the pursuit.
The chase concluded when the van stopped on railroad tracks, where officers forcibly removed and arrested the driver. The suspect, a 33-year-old woman from Portland, faced multiple charges, including reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and operating after suspension. She was held at the Cumberland County Jail with bail set at $500.
Officials defended the pursuit, highlighting the driver’s aggressive actions and the potential threat to officers and the public. Department heads acknowledged the need for a robust response due to the suspect’s behavior and the risks posed by the stolen van.
The Bottom Line
This incident underscores the complexities of police pursuits and the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety with adherence to procedural guidelines. For communities involved, such high-speed chases raise concerns about safety and the potential for collateral damage. The pursuit policies in place are intended to minimize risk, but situations like this highlight the difficult decisions officers must make in real-time.
For residents, incidents of this nature can impact perceptions of safety and trust in local law enforcement. It also points to the need for continual review and possibly updating of pursuit policies to reflect current realities. This particular case illustrates the unpredictability of police work and the necessity for officers to sometimes adapt to unexpected circumstances to ensure public safety.
