AUBURN, Maine — Two 14-year-old boys were taken into custody after they allegedly led police on a chase in a stolen front loader down the wrong way on the Maine Turnpike Monday morning, according to Lewiston police.
The two teens were transported to the Lewiston Police Department, and charges are expected.
Deputies from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office around 4:30 a.m. attempted to stop a front loader that was stolen in West Gardiner and used to allegedly damage mailboxes and fire hydrants in Sabattus.
When the boys failed to stop the front loader, it started to swerve into oncoming traffic. Officers went ahead of the front loader to block off streets.
The loader continued to travel along several streets in Lewiston, traveling at speeds between eight and 30 mph, according to police.
The 14-year-old operator allegedly swerved at several Lewiston police cruisers, striking one, police said. No officer was injured.
After traveling the wrong way on a one-way street, the operator eventually made his way onto Route 196, and then on to the Maine Turnpike, traveling southbound. Maine State Police were notified once the loader got onto the turnpike, and Lewiston police continued to follow the teens and keep traffic away.
In New Gloucester, the teen crossed the median, and started to travel southbound in the northbound lane of the turnpike. Lewiston police traveled ahead of the loader in an attempt to block off the northbound lane.
Prior to blocking the lane, the operator reportedly struck a passenger car that was traveling northbound, according to police.
Fearing possible loss of life due to the erratic and dangerous situation, a Lewiston police officer fired three shots at the tires of the loader, which caused the teen to stop the loader, ending the chase.
The Maine attorney general’s office has been notified as is protocol with any officer-involved shooting. The attorney general’s office will be conducting an investigation into the use of deadly force.
Watch Bangordailynews.com for updates.