A Kenduskeag man is facing a host of charges after a pursuit that began Wednesday evening in Gardiner and ended at VA Maine Healthcare Systems-Togus.
Robert A. Lindie, 63, was issued summonses charging him with eluding an officer, failing to stop for an officer, criminal speed — 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit — driving to endanger, refusing to submit to arrest or detention and illegal attachment of registration plates.
Gardiner Police Chief James Toman said Lindie told officers at Togus he was suffering a medical problem. Based on his behavior, officers believe Lindie was suffering a mental health crisis. Lindie was charged without being taken to jail.
“We determined it was best for him to remain at Togus on their watch overnight so that he could hopefully get the help that he needs,” Toman said.
Nobody was injured during the pursuit that ended when Lindie came to a stop outside the emergency room at Togus.
“The officers were paying particular attention to motor vehicle safety and his operation,” Toman said. “If he had continued to Route 17, my officers were prepared to discontinue the chase.”
The pursuit began around 6:30 p.m., when Lindie, driving north on Brunswick Avenue near the Commons, rushed up behind Gardiner Police Officer Chris Balestra, who was driving a marked cruiser. Toman said Lindie came within a few feet of the cruiser’s back bumper before pulling out to pass the cruiser and another car on a double-yellow line.
Balestra activated his lights to stop Lindie.
“He just continued on,” Toman said.
The pursuit continued across the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Bridge into Randolph, where Kennebec County Sheriff Deputy Aaron Moody joined in. The pursuit continued south on Water Street in Randolph briefly before Lindie turned left onto Route 226, which turns into Togus Road. Lindie took the back entrance to the Togus grounds.
Toman said Lindie slowed at intersections and yelled out the window at police during the pursuit.
Lindie stopped outside the emergency room but remained combative as officers, which now included VA police, took him into custody.
Craig Crosby — 621-5642
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