Maine Man Wanted for Alleged Domestic Violence Incident

Maine State Police are looking for a Bowdoinham man in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident.

Bowdoinham Maine Man is Wanted on Domestic Violence and Other Charges

Joseph Cloutier, 44, of Bowdoinham is wanted on a number of charges including:

• Domestic Violence Assault
• Criminal Speed
• Failure to Stop
• Violating Conditions of Release
• Operating After Suspension

Police do not believe there is any danger to the public.

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What Began As a Failed Traffic Stop on Maine's I-295 Ended With an Alleged Assault

The charges stem from an incident that began just before 8:30 Sunday morning, when a Maine State Police Trooper saw a red Nissaon Altima entering I-295 northbound in Topsham at a high rate of speed. The Trooper caught up to the vehicle in Bowdoinham where he tried to get the driver to pull over but the vehicle sped off.

Officials say the car, which contained two people, exited the interstate in Bowdoinham and led police on a short pursuit. When the chase reached Ridge Road, the Trooper broke it off out of an abundance of caution for the residential neighborhood.

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A short time later, Topsham Police received a report of an alleged domestic violence incident involving the same vehicle. A witness said they allegedly saw the male driver assault a female passenger and force her back into the vehicle in the Hannaford parking lot. The vehicle then left the area.

Maine Police Say the Bowdoinham Victim is Safe But the Suspect is at Large

Police found the vehicle at a home on Carding Machine Road in Bowdoinham but, when they tried to talk to Cloutier, he fled on foot into a wooded area.

The female victim was located and officials say she is safe.

Despite search efforts using both a helicopter and a police K9 tracker, Cloutier was not found. A warrant has been issued for his arrest on multiple charges.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Maine State Police at 207-624-7076.

We'll update this story as more details become available.