The alleged driver involved in a high-speed pursuit with Wiscasset Police the morning of May 9 which ended in a one-car rollover on Route 27 has been listed in satisfactory condition by Maine Medical Center personnel.
Jason Gallagher, 32, of Edgecomb, allegedly accelerated away from Chief Troy Cline as Cline attempted to stop two vehicles operated by Jason and his father, Joseph Gallagher, 57, of Edgecomb, on Main Street in Wiscasset.
Cline had received a request from another law enforcement agency to stop the vehicles because one or both of the operators may have warrants, according to a Wiscasset Police Department press release.
Having located the vehicles traveling into Wiscasset via the Donald E. Davey Bridge, Cline attempted to stop the vehicles. Joseph attempted to disrupt Cline’s efforts while Jason sped away, Cline alleges.
“He [Joseph] was driving his car in such a manner as to block me from going after his son,” Cline said.
Cline pursued the 2013 Kia Optima Jason was allegedly driving at “high rates of speed” northbound on Route 27, according to the release.
After losing visual contact with the Kia, Cline located the vehicle on its roof in the southbound lane of Route 27 in the area of Huntoon Hill Road, according to the release.
Jason was transported to Maine Medical Center for his injuries, where personnel report he is listed in satisfactory condition.
Cline said Jason is wanted on six warrants for unpaid fines totaling approximately $9000 and charges related to the pursuit are pending as the investigation continues. Jason’s drivers license is also suspended, Cline said.
Jason was interviewed by a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office detective at the hospital and has been cooperative with the investigation, Cline said. The department will hold off on the arrest until he is released from the hospital.
“We have given him clear instructions to come in and see me once he’s released from the hospital,” Cline said. The decision was based partly on his cooperation and the fact that the department now knows where he resides, Cline said.
Joseph was arrested by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Major Ken Mason for hindering apprehension or prosecution and obstruction government administration, according to the release.
The crash itself is being investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.
