Bangor Man Charged with OUI After I-95 Chase, Hitting a Cruiser

Bangor Police arrested a man who led them on a pursuit on I-95 and allegedly hit a cruiser and a cop.

How Did the Chase Start?

Sergeant Jason McAmbley says the incident began just before 11:30 Monday night when Bangor Officers responded to a report of an altercation between a man and woman on Lincoln Street, near the intersection with Third Street. A witness to the altercation says the man was leaving the scene in a gray truck.

Police located the truck on Main Street, near the intersection with Buck Street, and pulled the driver over. The truck stopped and the officer stopped behind it. At this point, the driver allegedly backed into the cruiser. Officers told the driver to stop, but he sped off down Buck Street, with police giving chase.

As the officers began pursuing the truck down Main Street, it turned onto I-395, and then entered I-95, traveling north. The truck continued on I-95 until Hammond Street. The driver exited the highway onto Hammond, made a U-turn and then re-entered on the southbound side of I-95.

Where Did It End?

Maine State Police assisted in the chase and the driver eventually stopped on I-95, near mile marker 180, which is near the exit to Hermon. Only one person was in the vehicle and he allegedly fought with the officers who tried to take him into custody. He was eventually subdued and positively identified.

Who Was Arrested?

Kareem Stokes, 25 of Bangor is charged with:

• Operating under the influence
• Eluding an officer
• Resisting arrest
• As well as four separate misdemeanor traffic infractions

Stokes was taken to the Penobscot County Jail. On Tuesday, Police learned that the truck Stokes was driving in the pursuit was stolen. He was then charged with felony theft.