Franklin County Inmate Escapes, Leads Police On Chase

An inmate escaped custody in Farmington, broke into a woman's home, assaulted her and stole her car, which he wrecked while leading police on a chase Tuesday, according to media reports.

The Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel report Derek Cook, 31, of Wilton, escaped custody while being transported from the Androscoggin County Jail to the Franklin County Jail in Farmington.

Cook ran about a quarter-mile down Route 133 before he allegedly broke into a woman's home, assaulted her and demanded the keys to her Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Police say they spotted Cook driving away in the woman's vehicle and followed him into Chesterville. They say Cook lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree while trying to turn onto Zions Hill Road from Valley Rd.

Cook was taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police say the homeowner was not seriously hurt and was not taken to the hospital.

Cook faces 14 new charges from three separate agencies, including the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilton Police Department and Maine State Police.