Attempted Traffic Stop Leads to Pursuit and Domestic Violence Investigation

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, at approximately 8:22 AM, a Maine State Trooper observed a red 2024 Nissan Altima entering I-295 northbound at mile marker 31 in Topsham at a high rate of speed.

The Trooper caught up to the vehicle at around mile marker 36 northbound in Bowdoinham, where he activated his blue lights and siren to stop the vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop and accelerated. The Trooper was able to identify the registration and observed two occupants inside. The vehicle exited the interstate at mile marker 37 northbound in Bowdoinham and continued at a high rate of speed onto Post Road, then Center Road, Cemetery Road, and finally Ridge Road continuing to travel at a high rate of speed.

Due to the residential setting and public safety concerns, the Trooper terminated the pursuit. The total length of the pursuit was approximately 2.5 miles. A short time later the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office informed the State Police that Topsham Police had received a report of a domestic violence incident involving the same vehicle. A witness reported observing the male driver assault a female passenger and force her back into the vehicle in the Hannaford parking lot in Topsham before fleeing the area. The vehicle was later located at a residence on Carding Machine Road in Bowdoinham.

Sagadahoc Deputies attempted to make contact with the male driver, identified as 44-year-old Joseph Cloutier of Bowdoinham, when he fled on foot into a wooded area. The female victim was located and is safe. A K9 track was conducted. The Maine Forest Service deployed their helicopter to provide support from the air, but Cloutier was not located.

An arrest warrant has been drafted for multiple charges, including Domestic Violence Assault, Criminal Speed, Failure to Stop, Violating Conditions of Release, and Operating After Suspension. At this time, there is no known danger to the public. Anyone with information about Cloutier’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Maine State Police at 207-624-7076.