Vehicle Hit a Wrecker on I-95 before Police Stopped it in Bangor

Traffic was backed up on I-95 in Bangor during the lunch hour on Tuesday as police dealt with a hit-and-run driver.

It Started with a Hit-and-Run

The incident started at around 12:30 PM, as a State Trooper and a wrecker driver were handling a car crash on I-95 in Hampden, according to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss.

A passenger car that was traveling northbound hit the wrecker where it was parked on the side of the road. Luckily, the Trooper and wrecker driver were not hurt. The driver of the car didn't stop, but continued northbound. Troopers tried to get the driver to pull over, but they refused to comply, even taking evasive action to avoid being caught.

Get our free mobile app

Details of the Chase

At this point, Troopers deployed a tire deflating device, known as spike mats in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The car ran over the spike mats but continued driving north on I-95 into Bangor. Because of the snowy road conditions and the fact that the interstate had heavy mid-day traffic, a Trooper attempted what's known as a PIT maneuver, or immobilization technique, to try and stop the chase. While the vehicle spun out, the driver didn't stop but continued on, traveling the wrong way on the interstate towards oncoming traffic from the Broadway Exit towards the Kenduskeag Stream Bridge.

The Resolution

A second Trooper used another immobilization technique and, this time it stopped the pursuit. State Police say it was a critical action by the Trooper, who put himself in harm's way to prevent the further risk to the public.

The driver was transported by ambulance to the hospital to be evaluated. At the time police sent out a press release about the incident, the driver had not been identified.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and police say criminal charges are expected.

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