KNOX COUNTY — A non-compliant driver was safely intercepted Friday afternoon after following a multi-town vehicle pursuit that began after a near-miss with emergency personnel, according to the Sheriff Patrick Polky, of the Knox County Sheriff's Office. The coordinated effort involved the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and regional dispatchers.

According the Sheriff Polky, the situation began on Sennebec Road in Union, where emergency crews were managing an unrelated public safety scene. While traffic was being directed, the operator of a white 2008 Ford F150 pickup truck nearly struck an active firefighter.

An on-scene Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy successfully stopped the truck, according to the Sheriff. The operator immediately fled on foot into the nearby woods. Following a brief foot pursuit by the deputy, the suspect doubled back to the truck, re-entered the vehicle, and fled the scene.

The driver fled eastbound toward Rockland.

"While the operator generally obeyed standard traffic laws, they continuously refused to pull over for law enforcement vehicles operating with active emergency lights and sirens," said Polky.

During the pursuit, the driver placed a call to 911 dispatch. Communication teams and supervisors initiated a three-way negotiation over the phone, continuously working to de-escalate the situation and convince the driver to stop safely.

Anticipating the vehicle’s route, officers from the Rockport and Rockland Police Departments established a tactical position near Chickawaukee Lake. Rockland officers successfully deployed "stop sticks" (tire deflation devices), which brought the pickup truck to a controlled stop near the lake parking area.

The driver was detained at the scene without further incident. Law enforcement subsequently transported the individual to a local medical center for a comprehensive physical and mental health evaluation.

"This was a rapidly evolving situation that began with a direct threat to one of our first responders," said Sheriff Polky. "I want to commend our deputies, the Rockport and Rockland Police officers, and the Knox County Communications dispatchers for their highly coordinated teamwork. By utilizing effective de-escalation communications and precise tactical interventions, we were able to bring this incident to a safe conclusion with no injuries to the public, the first responders, or the driver."

The incident remains under active investigation by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. Information regarding formal criminal charges will be released as it becomes available.