Cops Say 30-Year-Old Benton Man Led Chase First In Stolen Car, Then On Foot Tuesday AM

What started as a car chase in an allegedly stolen vehicle on Tuesday morning turned into a foot race between a man from Kennebec County and several members of law enforcement shortly thereafter, authorities say.

The Fairfield Police Department says it all began just before 8:30 on May 5th, when they were contacted by a neighboring law enforcement agency out of Oakland, with a request to check for a black 2022 GMC Sierra, which had recently been reported stolen, and which they suspected was now in the Mill Street area of Fairfield.

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"As officers were arriving, the vehicle fled and began operating in an erratic manner. A Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT maneuver) was immediately attempted to end the pursuit; however, it was unsuccessful. The pursuit continued into Waterville and southbound onto the Interstate, where the vehicle crossed the median and began driving the wrong way before turning around. Officers lost sight of the vehicle at that time. A short time later, the vehicle was located parked in Clinton."

People in the area of the Canaan Road reported seeing the driver of the truck enter a nearby home through the front door and then exit through the back, allegedly to avoid capture. But with members of Waterville PD, Pittsfield PD, Maine State Police, and the Somerset County Sheriff's Office in hot pursuit at this point, he didn't make it far. An officer from the Pittsfield PD and a detective from the Somerset County Sheriff's Office managed to catch up with the suspect, 30-year-old Christopher Groves, Benton.

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Groves was arrested and charged with several crimes, including eluding an officer, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, driving to endanger, criminal speeding, failing to stop for a police officer, aggravated criminal mischief, and violating bail conditions. In addition to the new charges, Groves was also wanted on 5 other active warrants.

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He's currently awaiting his first court date, scheduled for July 15th, at the Somerset County Jail.

Thankfully, authorities say no one was injured during the ordeal, although one police cruiser from Fairfield was damaged in the incident.