WASHINGTON — On Saturday, June 7, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Sgt. John L. Palmer, of the Knox County Sheriff's Office, was notified by Knox County Regional Communications of an erratic vehicle complaint being transferred to Knox County by Lincoln County Communications. It was reported in Washington that a truck was traveling from side to side in the travel lanes of the road, crossing the centerline and almost going into the ditch. It was also reported that items such as tools and a tackle box, were being thrown out of the vehicle.

Damage was sustained to the complainant's vehicle as a result items being thrown out of the truck. 

Sgt. Palmer located the truck in Union and attempted to stop it in the Maritime Farms parking lot.

As Palmer approached the driver's side of the truck, the driver sped off, according to a news release from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. 

The driver was later identified as Claire Mitchell, 35, of Appleton, according to the sheriff’s office.

Palmer pursued the vehicle north on Route 131 and then onto the Butler Road. He tried to stay behind the vehicle but made the decision not to as in the manner it was being operated at and the speed the driver was doing, the release said.

Palmer estimated the speed to be in excess of 70 mph on winding roads with blind spots and hills.

“Sgt. Palmer followed at a safe distance to try to keep a visual of the truck,” the release said. “He lost sight of it at times. On the Butler Road, Palmer came upon the truck as it had crashed into a ditch. Palmer found that there was a passenger in the truck, as well.”

The driver fled the scene on foot, the sheriff’s office said. The passenger was uninjured.

Maine State police responded, and with dogs, they began searching.

“After an extensive search of the area, law enforcement was unable to locate Mitchell and have now obtained an arrest warrant for him,” the release said. 

Mitchell is wanted and facing charges of driving to endanger, criminal speed, eluding an officer, operating after suspension, leaving the scene of a property damage crash, violation of conditions of release, and refusing to submit to arrest.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in locating Mitchell. Call Knox County Regional Communications Center at 593-9132 with information.