Augusta, ME – A high-speed chase that began in New Hampshire and continued into Maine early Wednesday morning ended with state police using a PIT maneuver to stop an allegedly impaired driver on the Maine Turnpike, according to authorities.
According to the Maine State Police (MSP), troopers were called shortly after midnight by the New Hampshire State Police (NHSP) to assist in an ongoing pursuit involving a Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Matthew Olsen, 44, of Harrison, Maine. NHSP had attempted to stop the truck for speeding and erratic driving, but the driver allegedly refused to pull over.
Police said the chase intensified after Olsen allegedly rammed one of the NHSP cruisers during the pursuit. When the truck crossed into Maine on the Turnpike, MSP troopers took over and continued northbound.
According to MSP, the chase reached the Kennebunk Rest Area, where Olsen allegedly drove over a curb and damaged the truck’s tires before reentering I-95. Troopers then used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to disable the vehicle and bring the pursuit to an end.
Olsen was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence, Eluding an Officer, Reckless Conduct, and Criminal Speed. Police said all charges remain allegations at this stage. As a precaution, he was taken to a local hospital before being transported to the York County Jail.
Drivers on the Turnpike early this morning may have experienced brief slowdowns as police cleared the scene. Authorities did not report any injuries aside from vehicle damage.
