SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Scarborough police received a call about a road rage incident on Payne Road near the Christmas Tree Shop on Saturday evening. Police say the caller stated the driver of a red Jeep Cherokee pointed a gun out the window and fired a shot at another car.
Police say the Jeep went south on Payne Road. The person who called police followed the Jeep and relayed directions to the dispatcher. The car that was shot at left the scene as well.
Scarborough police Officer Timothy Dalton spotted the Jeep on Beech Ridge Road. Police say the Jeep was traveling at a high speed. Police say Officer Dalton attempted to catch up to the Jeep and saw it turn onto Johnson Road. The driver continued to travel at a high speed.
Police say the suspect parked his car near the end of Johnson Road and fled into the woods on foot. Sgt. Thomas Chard; his police dog, Chesca; and Officer Dalton tracked the suspect into the woods. The suspect was spotted and a chase ensued before two officers caught and arrested him. Police say they located a handgun buried under leaves.
Police charged Sean Johnson, 33, of South Portland with driving to endanger, reckless conduct with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and violation of probation.
The person whose car was shot at went to the Scarborough Police Department. Police say the victim identified Johnson as the culprit. Police say the bullet traveled through the passenger-side window and narrowly missed the passenger and driver. The bullet was lodged in the driver’s door, according to police.