UNITY — A Vassalboro man is facing multiple charges following a collision with a vehicle operated by Waldo County Sheriff’s Deputy Cassandra McDonald. 

Nathan Rasmussen, 22, first came to Deputy McDonald’s attention while she was patrolling School Street in Unity. 

While patrolling McDonald noticed a 2004 Jeep driving toward her in the wrong lane, almost striking oncoming traffic, according to a media report. 

McDonald attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop, instead continuing into the parking lot of an apartment complex. The driver parked the vehicle in a space, at which time McDonald pulled her cruiser in behind the vehicle. 

Before she was able to exit her vehicle, Rasmussen shifted his vehicle into reverse and proceeded to back his vehicle into the front of McDonald’s cruiser, causing substantial damage. 

At this point Rasmussen was ordered from his vehicle and placed in the rear of her cruiser while she checked on a passenger in the Jeep. Additional deputies arrived while McDonald identified the female passenger. 

While confined to the rear of the cruiser Rasmussen reportedly made attempts to kick out the cruiser’s window. When Sergeant Nick Oettinger opened a rear cruiser door, Rasmussen kicked him, according to a media release. 

Rasmussen, who reportedly appeared intoxicated, was speaking incoherently and continued behaving in a combative manner. Deputies first took Rasmussen to Waldo County General Hospital for examination by medical staff. Once cleared by medical staff, he was transferred to Two Bridges Regional Jail, where his bail was set at $750. 

Rasmussen has been charged with operating under the influence, reckless conduct, driving to endanger and assault. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com