Source Portland Press Herald, Maine
WEST PARIS, ME — Police are looking for a man they say dragged an Oxford County deputy with his car Friday night at the Rusty Lantern market and gas station on Route 26 before fleeing.
The Oxford County Sheriff's Office released a statement Monday saying deputies are looking for Kevin Michael Litchfield Jr., 37, of West Paris on a host of charges after, they say, he refused to get out of his vehicle about 9:15 p.m. Friday when he was ordered by Oxford County Sheriff's Deputy Andre Chasse.
"Deputy Chasse knew there was an active extraditable warrant for Litchfield from the U.S. Marshal's Office for a probation violation stemming from drug charges. Litchfield was also on federal probation and two sets of bail conditions," the statement said.
Chasse observed Litchfield's vehicle at the Rusty Lantern and identified the driver as Litchfield, the statement said. "Litchfield refused lawful orders to exit the vehicle, which resulted in a physical confrontation. Litchfield actively fought with the deputy and resisted arrest.
"During the struggle, Litchfield shifted the vehicle into gear and accelerated forward, driving into the adjacent field. Deputy Chasse was dragged alongside the vehicle before falling off the driver's side — nearly being run over. Litchfield drove back across the field and back into the parking lot before fleeing northbound on Route 26 at a high rate of speed," the statement said.
Authorities say they later found Litchfield's vehicle abandoned on Fuller Hill Road in Woodstock. The Sheriff's Office's K9 Team attempted to track Litchfield but he was not found.
According to the statement, an adult woman was inside the vehicle with Litchfield "and she has been identified. Her role in this incident is still being evaluated."
Authorities said Chasse was transported to a Norway hospital, treated for abrasions to his face and head, along with minor bruises and contusions, and released.
The Sheriff's Office statement from Maj. Dana Thompson said Litchfield faces additional charges for aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, driving to endanger, refusing to submit to arrest, and violation of conditions of release.
The office is asking anyone who knows of Litchfield's whereabouts or has information about him to contact the office at 207-743-9554.
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