BANGOR, Maine — A bystander helped a Bangor police officer restrain an agitated drunken driver early Saturday morning, but the suspect had to be stunned with a Taser twice during his arrest, according to Sgt. Paul Edwards.
After police got Roger Chase, 29, of Pittsfield to the ground, “this citizen helped to control one of his arms,” the sergeant said.
Even with the additional help, “they couldn’t get him handcuffed,” which is why the Taser was used, Edwards said.
Chase is a body builder, the sergeant said.
The incident occurred about 1 a.m. Saturday as Barnaby’s nightclub on Odlin Road was closing. Officer Wade Betters watched as Chase left the back parking lot of the bar and proceeded to drive the wrong way on outer Hammond Street, Edwards said.
Betters turned on his cruiser’s lights and followed Chase — who has two prior convictions for operating under the influence — to the nearby Circle K convenience store on Odlin Road.
Betters said the driver ignored his blue lights, and when Chase got out of the SUV he was driving, he also ignored Betters’ commands, according to Edwards.
“At that point Officer Betters reported that he grabbed hold of Chase and that Chase shoved him,” the police sergeant said. “Officer Betters restrained Chase and the two ended up on the ground.”
While struggling with Chase, Betters called for backup because he was having a hard time handling the agitated and intoxicated man, according to Edwards.
Bystanders had gathered to watch the incident and Betters asked one of them if he could help, the sergeant said. “A 24-year-old Jefferson, Maine, man jumped into the fray and held Chase at the direction of the officer until backup arrived.”
When backup did arrive, Chase was still so out of control that police used a Taser on him twice, Edwards said.
Chase was taken to the Bangor Police Department for an Intoxilyzer blood alcohol test and was cooperative, the sergeant said. He was arrested and charged with felony OUI — because of his prior drunk driving convictions — as well as with assault and refusing to submit to arrest.
Chase was taken to the Penobscot County Jail and remained there Monday morning, Edwards said.
For his efforts, the Jefferson man, who was not identified, was given a department Challenge Coin.
It’s rare for police to ask members of the public for help during an arrest, Edwards said.
Somebodies in trouble, and it’s not the police or the bystanders.
Pretty Simple, Don’t drink and drive!
Some people never learn!
Barnaby’s………tsk tsk tsk
Many years ago Barnabys was a great place to go. I wouldnt blame the establishment for what the latest generation of Moronic Imbeciles actions. Between the drugs and the dumbing down of America and the lack of common sense all these things add up to what you read in BDN .
Sounds like the place is still the place to go. My guess is that people that don’t like the place either got kicked out (happened to a friend of mine) or struck out if you know what I mean! HAHAHAA.
You are quite right!
I moved out of Maine 5 years ago but used to go to Barnaby’s all the time. That place was always busy and it still is, crazy!
Nice reward , a coin that when you went to dunkin doughnuts with it you would have to add $ 1.97 to get yourself a medium coffee. I guess it would be too much to expect for the policeman to buy you a coffee or a nice meal for risking injury or worse to help him out ! I commend you for helping out the policeman , and hope you dont get sued in doing so. In todays world the alledged drunk driver would win the suit in our court system
You obviously don’t understand the significance and honor of receiving a challenge coin.
For his efforts, the Jefferson man, who was not identified, was given a department Challenge Coin.
Wow. All I can say is wow. What a reward for potentially risking his life (or at least an injury). I hope the city gives him some kind of better award than that. Even a certificate of appreciation would have been better.
You obviously don’t understand the significance and honor of receiving a challenge coin.
I definitely don’t understand. Care to enlighten me?