A 23-year-old Union man is facing a litany of charges following a high-speed pursuit that started in Wiscasset and ended in Nobleboro early Sunday morning.
According to Wiscasset Police Chief Troy Cline, Anthony Baker was arrested following a brief chase that began around 4 a.m. According to Cline, Baker, operating a northbound 2010 Toyota Corolla, accelerated and attempted to elude veteran Wiscasset Police Officer Alfred “Willy” Simmons after Simmons attempted a stop Baker’s vehicle on Main Street.
According to Cline, Simmons attempted the traffic stop because Baker was allegedly traveling approximately 20 mph over the speed limit.
A chase ensued. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Waldoboro Police Department sent officers to assist Simmons.
“In my opinion it was a great, coordinated effort by Lincoln County law enforcement working together,” Cline said. “I continue to be very impressed by the cooperation between these agencies.”
The chase ended after approximately 10 minutes, near Reunion Station in Nobleboro, after Baker’s vehicle hit a Stinger Spike Mat deployed by LCSO Deputy Justin Drake. Officer Simmons, in pursuit, was unable to avoid the spike mat and ran over the mat, flattening all four of tires.
The cruiser was otherwise undamaged, Cline said. “The cruiser is fine,” he said. “This just makes me have to put the winter tires on early this year.”
After Baker was taken into custody, officers located an open folding knife on the seat beside him, according to Cline. Officers also located a rifle in the trunk of the vehicle along with another knife. Baker was formally arrested for violating probation and being in possession of dangerous weapons.
According to Cline, further investigation indicated Baker may have stolen the vehicle from his sister, Abigail Baker, also of Union.
According to Cline, Baker is currently in custody at Two Bridges Regional Jail on a probation hold and faces additional charges including eluding a police officer, driving to endanger, criminal speed, and unauthorized use of property.
