Maine Man Arrested in Lisbon After Allegedly Stealing a Van

Community members helped Lisbon Police locate a suspect who allegedly stole a van.

Maine Man Arrested in Connection with a Van Stolen from a Dollar Tree

Ryan Birkbeck, 28, was charged by the Lisbon Police Department with failing to stop for a police officer and driving to endanger.

READ MORE: How to Protect Yourself and Your Stuff in Maine

Officials say more charges from other agencies are expected in connection with a stolen vehicle.

Lisbon, Maine Police Recovered a Van Stolen from a Store and Arrested a Suspect

The incident began just before 4:30 Wednesday afternoon, when the Lisbon Police Department received a notification from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office.

They learned that a stolen gray 2015 Dodge Caravan had been stolen from the Dollar Tree in Richmond and was likely headed in their direction.

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A short time later, Lisbon Police Officers found the vehicle, which had come to a stop in traffic.

When the officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the operator fled.

Maine Police Say Community Members Helped Them Catch An Alleged Car Thief

Due to the high volume of rush-hour traffic in Lisbon Falls and the potential risk to the public, the officers discontinued their pursuit, in accordance with department police and public safety considerations.

With help from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office, officers located the vehicle on Fillion Street in Lisbon a short time later, where witnesses told them a suspect had fled on foot.

A search of the area resulted in Birkbeck's arrest.

Lisbon Police thanked community members, in a post on the department's Facebook page, for their information and observations that 'significantly assisted officers during the investigation.'

We'll update this story as more details are released.