LEWISTON – Police arrested two Massachusetts men Wednesday after a 13-mile car chase that started on East Avenue in Lewiston and ended in Poland.
The driver of the Ford Explorer was arrested on numerous charges after police said he rammed a car on East Avenue while fleeing from officers who had stopped him.
Joel Hayden, 24, of New Bedford, Mass., was charged with eluding police, leaving the scene of a crash, criminal speed, possession of scheduled drugs and violating bail.
A passenger in the car, 23-year-old David Depina, also of New Bedford, was charged with refusing to submit to arrest.
The chase began as a drug investigation in downtown Lewiston, police said. Drug agents searching for the Ford Explorer asked police to stop the vehicle after it was seen being driven through the downtown area.
About 4:30 p.m., Officer Joey Brown and Cpl. Ray Roberts pulled the Ford over on East Avenue, near Shaw’s. The officers were in the process of asking for identification from the men in the car when the driver sped away, police said.
“We weren’t there 20 seconds before he took off,” Roberts said.
Police said Hayden sped into traffic, striking a 1999 Lincoln driven by a Lisbon man on East Avenue. The driver of that car was not hurt.
Officer Brown began following the Explorer as it turned onto Lisbon Street, headed for the turnpike. Police said the driver was moving from lane to lane, veering into oncoming traffic at least once as he attempted to speed away from his pursuers.
Meanwhile, more Lewiston police officers joined the chase and other departments were advised. Police said they were particularly eager to stop the vehicle because it was known that Hayden was inside, that he was out on bail from previous drug trafficking charges, and that he might be armed with a gun.
“They knew who the occupants were because of the ongoing drug investigation,” Avery said.
Police followed the Explorer onto the turnpike as the driver headed south. Police radioed Maine State Police to let them know that a chase was on and that the driver of the Explorer was approaching speeds above 85 mph.
State police were preparing to join the chase further south when the driver of the Explorer exited the turnpike in Auburn. Police from that city were called as the vehicle was seen heading south on Washington Street.
A minute after exiting the highway, the Explorer turned from Washington Street onto Kittyhawk Avenue. A short time later, the driver turned left on Hotel Road, police said.
As the pursuit moved past Tambrands and toward Poland, police said the suspect vehicle was being driven at approximately 65 mph. Androscoggin County Sheriff’s deputies were advised and headed toward Route 122.
“By that time, the state police and other agencies were getting into position,” Avery said. “They were getting ahead of the vehicle to lay down a spike mat.”
The chase continued into Poland, past Range Pond, where the driver appeared to be looking for a place to turn, police said. Officers in pursuit advised each other on the vehicles speed and movements as they continued to follow.
After driving into New Gloucester, Hayden pulled to the side of the road as police in several cruisers pulled up around the vehicle. Police with guns drawn ordered the two men out of the Explorer. Police said Depina locked the passenger’s side door as police approached and tried to get him out of the vehicle.
Maine Drug Enforcement agents, who had been searching for the two men earlier Wednesday, arrived and searched the suspects. A state police dog and his handler were also sent to the scene to help with the investigation. It was not immediately disclosed what was found inside the vehicle.
Police said nobody was hurt during the chase. Damage to the Lincoln struck on East Avenue was estimated at $1,000.
Lewiston police and the MDEA were continuing to investigate.
“All the officers involved did a great job,” Avery said. “They kept us notified the whole time and advised us on speeds and road conditions.”
Hayden and Depina remained at the Androscoggin County jail in Auburn Wednesday night. They were expected to make court appearances today.
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