An Eddington man faces multiple charges after leading Augusta police on a chase and then fleeing on foot.

The incident started when Officer Jesse Brann saw 37-year-old Benjamin Mooreside driving a vehicle on Western Avenue at around 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, smoking what appeared to be marijuana. With a police cruiser behind him, officials say Mooreside used his right blinker as if to turn right at the Armory Street intersection, but sped west instead, eventually reaching speeds in excess of 70 mph. He then crossed the median and began driving the wrong way, missing other vehicles 'by inches,' according to police.

Officer Chris Hutchings loss sight of Mooreside after he turned onto Edison Drive and then into the CMP parking lot. It was there that Hutchings found the vehicle crashed into a tree. Mooreside was not in the car. Five hours later, he was located at Ground Round and arrested. Mooreside is charged with eluding a police officer, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. In addition, police say he was arrested on an outstanding warrant and for habitual operation of a motor vehicle after his license was revoked.

Mooreside has his initial court appearance on Wednesday where a judge set his bail at $3,000 cash or $500 with a Maine Pretrial Services Contract. Conditions of release include not using drugs or driving a vehicle, and being subject to random searches and testing. He's due back in court in June.

 

 

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