Oxford, ME — A Maine State Trooper and his K9 partner narrowly escaped a fiery crash Tuesday night during a high-speed chase. The incident occurred around 11:11 p.m. when Sgt. Jonathan Russell attempted to pull over a vehicle on Rt. 26 for speeding.
According to the Maine State Police, the suspect vehicle fled, prompting Sgt. Russell to pursue it down Rabbit Valley Road in Oxford. While trying to navigate a sharp turn, Russell’s cruiser left the roadway, striking a ditch before coming to rest nose down. Moments later, the vehicle caught fire.
Sgt. Russell quickly exited the vehicle and rescued his K9 partner, Preacher, before flames fully engulfed the cruiser. Shortly after, ammunition stored in the car exploded. Sgt. Russell sustained minor injuries from the airbag, while Preacher emerged unharmed.
The suspect, driving a mid-2000s Chevy or GMC with a utility body, remains at large. Sgt. Russell could not identify the driver. Local authorities, including the Norway Police Department and Oxford Fire and Rescue, responded to the scene.
The cruiser and its equipment were a total loss. Police continue to search for the fleeing driver.
