HAMPDEN, Maine — A Monroe woman is facing drunken driving and other charges after leading Hampden police officers on a brief pursuit Wednesday afternoon that ended when she reportedly jammed on her brakes, causing one of the officers to rear-end her car.
Arrested and taken to Penobscot County Jail was Susan Rich, 44, of Monroe, Hampden police Officer Jeff Rice said early Wednesday evening.
In addition to OUI, Rich is charged with driving to endanger and failure to stop for an officer, Rice said. Rich has a prior OUI conviction from 2009, according to Rice.
Rice said that the series of incidents that led to the woman’s arrest began shortly before 3 p.m., when a motorist called 911 to report an erratic driver heading into Hampden from Bangor, Rice said.
The town’s elementary, middle and high schools were letting out around that time.
“That was our biggest concern,” Rice said.
Rice found the erratic vehicle on Western Avenue and saw it nearly hit two oncoming vehicles before it turned onto Patterson Road, where Rich attempted to wave him around her.
Rich then turned onto Meadow Road, where Sgt. Joel Small joined the pursuit, Rice said. Although the police cars’ blue lights were activated, Rich continued to drive, turning onto Kennebec and later Monroe Road, where she jammed on the brakes, causing Rice to run into the back of her car.
“That’s probably what stopped her,” Rice said.
At the time of her arrest, Rich’s blood alcohol level measured .19, more than twice the legal limit, Rice said. She also had prescription drugs in her possession.
Both vehicles were damaged in the crash, Rice said, adding that the cruiser is still drivable.