PARIS — Felony charges against the driver of a truck involved in a road rage incident involving West Paris’ building inspector over the weekend have been presented to Oxford County prosecutors, police said Thursday. 

The driver’s identity and the specific charges have not been made public because the person has not been arrested or formally charged by a grand jury, according to Paris police Lt. Jeffrey Lange. 

On July 11, police arrested West Paris Code Enforcement Officer Shane Poland on charges of assault and failure to submit to arrest after a scuffle with an Oxford police officer. 

Police had responded to Main Street in Paris near Dunkin’ Donuts after reports of a road rage incident around 9 p.m. Upon arrival, the officer was flagged down by a woman, identified as Poland’s wife, who said she had been nearly run down by a vehicle. 

Poland, according to police, approached and allegedly tossed a bat in the direction of a truck passing in the opposite lane, retrieved it and appeared as if he would chase after the fleeing vehicle. He was restrained by an officer and a physical confrontation ensued. 

After investigating the incident, Lange said he opted to bring evidence before a grand jury rather than arrest the person driving the truck.

It was not known if prosecutors intend to present the evidence to a grand jury, which will not rise until August.

On Thursday afternoon, Oxford County Assistant District Attorney Joseph O’Connor said he had not seen the evidence, and could not comment on the case. 

ccrosby@sunmediagroup.net 

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