BELFAST — A 23 year old Belfast man has been transported to Waldo County General Hospital for treatment after leading police on a chase that began in Swanville around 6:20 a.m. April 13, according to a media release from Lieutenant Cody Laite, of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office. 

In an updated media release, shared April 14, Shane Reynolds, 23, was revealed to be the driver who led police on the multi-county chase, which only came to an end after Maine State Police used the PIT maneuver. Reynolds has been charged with driving to endanger, eluding an officer, and reckless conduct. 

Reynolds came to police attention after a motorist called Waldo County Dispatch to report a vehicle operating in a reckless manner. Members of the WSO attempted to conduct a traffic stop with the reported vehicle on Oak Hill Road in Swanville, but the driver failed to stop, resulting in a pursuit.

According to the release, additional law enforcement personnel began responding to the area, with one officer deploying a tire deflating device in Belfast. The device was effective, according to the report, however Reynolds continued to flee at a low speed on the now-deflated tires. The chase continued this way until members of the Maine State Police were able to effectively use the PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver to bring an end to the chase in Windsor.

In a subsequent email, Laite said the “pursuit traveled through Belfast, Belmont, Searsmont, Appleton, Union, Washington, Somerville and then we were notified at 7:32 am that State Police had PIT Maneuvered the vehicle in Windsor.”

After Reynolds was examined and cleared on scene by ambulance personnel, he was transported to WCGH for further evaluation. 

Criminal charges are expected to be filed following the man’s release from the hospital. 

The report concludes with Laite thanking area law enforcement. 

“We appreciate members of the Belfast Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, and Maine State Police for rendering assistance with this incident.”

The investigation into the incident continues, according to Laite.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com