Waterville, Maine – A Waterville man is behind bars after police say he stole a vehicle, led officers on a dangerous chase through Central Maine, and ultimately crashed into a police cruiser before attempting to flee on foot Sunday morning.
Authorities identified the suspect as Christopher Poirier, 38, who now faces multiple criminal charges following the incident that stretched from Waterville toward Augusta and forced officers to take swift action to protect the public.
Vehicle Stolen From Dunkin in Waterville
According to the Waterville Police Department, the incident began Sunday morning when officers received a report of a stolen vehicle taken from a Dunkin location on College Avenue.
Police say Poirier allegedly stole the car while it was unattended, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Officers quickly began searching the area for the vehicle as details were relayed over the police radio.
Stolen Car Located, Suspect Refuses to Stop
Authorities say officers soon located the stolen vehicle traveling along Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville. When police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Poirier refused to pull over, escalating the situation into a vehicle pursuit.
Police say the chase moved onto the interstate, heading in the direction of Augusta, raising concerns about public safety as traffic conditions and speed became factors.
Chase Ends After Crash With Police Cruiser
Law enforcement officials say officers were eventually able to stop the stolen vehicle, but not before it collided with a police cruiser.
The crash marked a dramatic end to the pursuit. Authorities have not released details about the extent of damage to the cruiser, but confirmed that the collision occurred before the suspect’s vehicle came to a complete stop.
Fortunately, police say no serious injuries were reported, though the incident remains under investigation.
Suspect Attempts to Flee on Foot
Despite the crash, police say Poirier exited the vehicle and attempted to run away from the scene. Officers quickly pursued him, and he was apprehended within a short distance, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Poirier was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Kennebec County Jail, where he remains held.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Waterville Police confirmed that Christopher Poirier has been charged with the following offenses:
- Driving to Endanger
- Theft by Unauthorized Taking
- Eluding an Officer
Additional charges could be considered as investigators review evidence from the pursuit and crash, including damage reports and dash camera footage.
Police Emphasize Public Safety
Officials say incidents like this highlight the dangers posed by vehicle thefts and police pursuits, particularly when suspects refuse to comply with lawful traffic stops.
Police reminded drivers that fleeing from law enforcement significantly increases the risk of injury or death, not only for suspects, but also for officers and innocent motorists sharing the roadway.
The Waterville Police Department credited coordinated efforts and quick response for bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.
Investigation Continues
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as the case moves through the court system. Prosecutors will determine how the case proceeds based on the evidence collected.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, avoid leaving vehicles unattended while running, and cooperate fully with law enforcement during traffic stops.
Should penalties for vehicle theft and police chases be harsher to deter repeat offenses? How can communities better prevent car thefts before they happen? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
