Eluding

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Monday, February 14, 2022, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Maine State Troopers  were assisting the Auburn Police Department  with an attempt to locate 31-year-old Brandon Pelletier of Auburn who was wanted on numerous felony warrants. Troopers approached Pelletier’s vehicle with their blue lights activated. Upon seeing the Troopers Pelletier proceeded to ram one of the two cruisers and began to flee the scene.

Troopers were able to catch up to Pelletier’s vehicle and a pursuit began. Troopers along with the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office pursued Pelletier throughout Auburn. During the pursuit Pelletier hit numerous vehicles who were traveling on the roadway. Troopers attempted numerous times to end the pursuit but were unable to, due to Pelletier attempting to hit their cruisers with his vehicle. The pursuit continued into Minot where Pelletier struck another vehicle. Troopers attempted to disable Pelletier’s vehicle again. Pelletier then swerved towards one of the cruisers, striking it and causing his own vehicle to roll over. Pelletier refused to exit the vehicle and a police K-9 was deployed to apprehend Pelletier.

Pelletier was transported to Central Maine Medical Center with minor injuries. Pelletier was wanted for multiple charges including robbery.  New charges stemming from this incident include driving to endanger, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, refusing to submit to arrest or detention by force, leaving the scene of a crash, criminal speed and numerous other traffic infractions. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of cocaine and fentanyl. Androscoggin SO, Auburn PD, Mechanic Falls PD, Minot Fire and United Ambulance assisted the Maine State Police. 

Anyone that was struck by the offending vehicle is asked to reach out to Sgt. Chris Farley at the Maine State Police 624-7076.
 

From the Desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

Shortly after midnight on January 10, 2022, Maine State Police responded to a report of a vehicle that was traveling erratically in the northbound lane on the Maine Turnpike. Corporal Ricci Cote located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop near mile marker 56. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle exited the turnpike at Exit 63, (Gray)  but drove back onto the turnpike and headed south, continuing to travel in an unsafe manner.

As the suspect vehicle was approaching Exit 53 (Falmouth), Corporal Cote engaged an immobilization technique, which succeeded in stopping the vehicle. Corporal Cote approached the vehicle on foot when the vehicle drove at Corporal Cote, who then discharged his duty weapon at the vehicle. 

The vehicle exited the turnpike at Exit 53 where the Falmouth Police Department had set up spike mats. The vehicle struck the mats and stopped after traveling a short distance 

The driver, 33-year-old Barry Coolbrith of North Yarmouth was taken into custody and treated for injuries on scene and then taken to a Portland hospital where he was treated and released and taken to the Cumberland County Jail. Coolbrith was charged with eluding, passing a roadblock, aggravated reckless conduct, failure to stop, and driving to endanger. 

Corporal Cote was placed on paid administrative leave while the Attorney General’s Office conducts an investigation, which is customary when a law enforcement officer uses deadly force. 

The Maine State Police is in the process of contacting the Cumberland County Jail to authorize the release of Coolbrith’s booking photo.

Please note this is the only information being released at this time.