Multiple law enforcement agencies were led on a high-speed chase through Somerset County Sunday morning after the driver of a speeding vehicle nearly collided with a Skowhegan Police Department crusier, according to police.

The driver, Ryan Galouch, 20, of Belgrade, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after police stopped the Nissan Sentra he was operating at a road block on Interstate 95 near Newport.

The chase involving Galouch started on Route 201 in Skowhegan at approximately 11:37 a.m. when Skowhegan officer Katelyn Treylino attempted to stop Galouch after he was allegedly speeding more than 30 mph over the speed limit. According to a news release from the Skowhegan Police Department, Galouch almost collided with Treylino’s crusier before speeding away.

Galouch allegedly reached speeds of 100-110 mph during the chase through Skowhegan, Canaan and Pittsfield before being stopped on the highway at approximately noon. The pursuit involved Somerset County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Maine State Police. According to police, Galouch evaded spike mats set up to puncture his tires at two roadblocks during the chase.

When he was stopped, Galouch identified himself as a Belgrade firefighter and told Treylino he ran because he had marijuana in the vehicle, according to the news release. Galouch is also listed as a firefighter on the Belgrade department’s Facebook page.

Treylino found that Galouch had allegedly been texting during the incident and seized his phone.

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There were at least two other people in the car during the chase, but it is unclear whether they were also charged. Police at the scene indicated that some of the passengers were juveniles.

Galouch was taken to the Somerset County Jail in East Madison. He was charged with criminal speeding, failure to stop for an officer, eluding an officer, aggravated reckless conduct, driving to endanger and refusing to submit to arrest or detention.

Peter McGuire — 861-9239

pmcguire@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @PeteL_McGuire


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