SACO, Maine — A 31-year-old man who allegedly led Maine State Police on a chase at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour Thursday night along Interstate 95 faces multiple charges including operating under the influence and eluding an officer.
Michael L. Fender, whose address was not immediately available, was arrested at mile marker 36 in Saco just before midnight, according to a release from Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety.
Just after 11 p.m. Thursday, Maine State Police received two reports of a white truck with out-of-state plates driving erratically and speeding. Trooper Richard Reaser stopped the vehicle in the northbound lane of Interstate 95 at mile marker 24 in Kennebunk.
When Reaser attempted to approach the white truck, which carried New Hampshire license plates, the driver sped off, according to the release.
Reaser pursued the truck at speeds ranging from 45 miles per hour to 100 miles per hour.
Police said the truck hit a guardrail and drifted in both lanes of the highway during the pursuit.
The chase ended when Reaser’s cruiser struck the truck, according to the release.
With the assistance of Saco police, Fender was arrested and taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland. A Maine State Police cruiser, as well as a Saco police cruiser, were damaged during the incident.
No information was immediately available about any injuries Reaser may have suffered.
Fender, whose residence was not immediately available, was charged with operating under the influence, eluding a police officer and refusing to submit to arrest.
No additional information was immediately available Friday morning.