A Bath woman has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a high-speed chase on Route 1 from Waldoboro to Newcastle on May 26, 2015.
Kourtney M. Sherwood, 31, formerly of Brunswick, led a chase exceeding 100 mph before driving over a spike mat in Damariscotta, then threw alcohol and a cigarette butt at officers and kneed an officer in the groin, according to police.
Sherwood pleaded guilty Monday, Feb. 8 to class C assault on an officer, eluding an officer, and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, all felonies; as well as class D criminal OUI and class E operating after suspension, according to court documents.
The state dismissed two additional counts of class C assault on an officer and a single count each of class D refusing to submit to arrest and class E criminal speed.
Sherwood entered the plea as part of an agreement that delays sentencing for a year, during which time she must complete substance-abuse treatment, must not drive without a license, must not possess or use alcohol or illegal drugs, and must submit to random searches and tests to ensure compliance.
If Sherwood follows all the conditions of the agreement, she will receive a maximum sentence of three years in prison with all but six months suspended, plus two years of probation. If she violates any condition, she could receive up to the maximum sentence for the crimes. The maximum penalty for a class C crime is five years in prison.
Sherwood will return to court for a hearing to determine the outcome of the case at 1 p.m., Feb. 13, 2017.
Assistant District Attorney Matthew Kanwit is representing the state. Brunswick attorney Jonathan Handelman is representing Sherwood.
Waldoboro Police Officer Thomas Bartunek stopped Sherwood’s SUV on Route 1 in Waldoboro near the Nobleboro town line on the night of May 26, 2015, according to statements by police.
Sherwood was combative during the stop, playing music loudly and swearing at officers, according to police. Her driver’s license had been suspended and she was subject to bail conditions prohibiting her from driving and from using alcohol or illegal drugs.
Bartunek asked Sherwood to exit the vehicle, but she sped away, according to police. She continued south on Route 1, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph and sometimes driving in the opposite lane.
The Damariscotta Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deployed a spike mat near N.C. Hunt Lumber in Damariscotta. Sherwood was traveling at more than 90 mph when she drove over the mat.
The chase finally ended near the southbound off-ramp in Newcastle. Sherwood allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted an officer, according to police.