ROCKPORT — A man seen peering in the windows at a West Rockport bridal shop was eventually arrested in Belfast, after a pursuit through Camden and Rockport by police. Rockport Police ultimately charged Paul M. Davis, 31, of Bucksport, with numerous offenses, including eluding police, operating under the influence, criminal trespass, criminal speed, and more.

According to Camden Police Chief Randy Gagne, the sequence of events started just before 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, at the intersection of routes 17 and 90 in Rockport. 

Knox County Regional Communications Center received a call about a male looking into windows at a bridal store there. Rockport Police Officer Dana Smith responded, and Knox RCC relayed that the man had reportedly been seen leaving the rear door of the shop, which had not been open for business.

The witness saw the male get into a car parked on Park Street. That witness attempted to engage the male in conversation to keep him in place until police arrived.

Just as Smith pulled onto the scene, the man fled in his sedan, and in doing so, struck the witness’ own vehicle.

Smith followed the man, who drove “at an extremely high rate of speed,” said Gagne. Camden Police Officers joined in the pursuit from various streets in Camden and Rockport. Officers Chris Hansen, Sam Butler, Det. Curt Andrick, and Chief Gagne responded with their police vehicles.

Hansen encountered the suspect on Park Street near Rockport Lobster, turned on his lights and siren and attempted to stop Davis.

But Davis kept moving. He drove down Main Street in Rockport, and across into the denser neighborhoods of Camden and Rockport.

“At that point it was clear the subject was not going to stop for officers and his reckless operation was dangerous to the traveling public,” said Gagne. “Officers were advised to back off and not to engage further.”

Knox RCC transmitted a ‘A Be on the Lookout’ (BOLO) throughout the counties, and a short time later the subject was apprehended by Maine State Police in Belfast.  Smith took Davis into custody and transported him to the Knox County Jail in Rockland. Davis was booked in with the following charges:

1. Eluding an officer (two counts)
2. OUI
3. Driving to endanger (two counts)
4. Criminal speed
5. Criminal Trespass
6. Leaving the scene of a property damage accident
7. Failure to stop at a stop sign
8. Failure to provide evidence of insurance

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657