MSP Trooper and K9 Escape Serious Injury After Cruiser Crashes and Catches Fire

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at approximately 11:11 PM, Sgt. Jonathan Russell was traveling on Rt. 26 in Oxford when he attempted to pull over a vehicle for excessive speed. The vehicle turned off Rt. 26 and took off down Rabbit Valley Road in Oxford. With his lights and sirens activated Sgt. Russell attempted to catch up with the vehicle but being unfamiliar with the road was unable to negotiate a turn at the bottom of a hill and his cruiser left the roadway to the left and into a ditch. The cruiser rotated and ended up coming to rest nose down. Sgt. Russell was able to exit the vehicle and get his K-9 Preacher out before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames and ammunition in the back of the vehicle exploded. The cruiser and all the equipment inside were a total loss. Sgt. Russell suffered minor injuries attributed to the airbag. K-9 Preacher was not injured. The driver’s identity is unknown however Sgt. Russell believes the offending vehicle was a mid-2000’s Chevy or GMC with a utility body on the back. The Maine State Police was assisted on scene by Norway PD, Paris PD, Oxford SO, Oxford PD, and Oxford Fire and Rescue.