SKOWHEGAN — Police used a Taser stun gun to take down a Skowhegan man early Saturday morning after he allegedly stole a car and then led police from four law enforcement agencies on a foot chase near the Sappi paper mill off U.S. Route 201.

Thomas Bouchard, 32, of Main Street, is charged with failing to stop for an officer, unauthorized use of property, operating after suspension and refusing to submit to arrest or detention, all misdemeanors.

Bouchard allegedly stole a red, 2002 Chevy Cavalier from a residence on Pooler Avenue at about 2:20 a.m. Saturday, according to Police Chief Ted Blais.

Minutes later, Officer Kyle Haseltine found the vehicle on Varney Road near the Sappi woodyard entrance and attempted to stop the car.

Blais said the operator refused to pull over for approximately a mile. When the car finally stopped, the driver refused verbal commands before getting out of the car and taking off into the woods, Blais said. Haseltine gave chase on foot.

Fairfield police officers, Somerset County Sheriff’s deputies, and Sappi security officers joined the chase.

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Haseltine used his Taser and arrested Bouchard, who was taken to the Somerset County Jail in East Madison for booking.

Bouchard is being held on $1,500 bail and was scheduled to appear in court on Monday for a possible bail reduction.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Doug_Harlow


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