On Monday, Nov. 15 at about 4:05 p.m., a Maine State trooper was on patrol on Route 1 northbound in Brunswick when the driver of a 2004 Range Rover allegedly passed him at speeds exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph. The trooper, driving a fully marked State Police cruiser, initiated a pursuit based on the alleged violation of criminal speed.

The driver, Pasquale Lapomarda, 21, of Standish, continued northbound on Route 1 into West Bath and Bath reaching a top speed of 102 mph.

The speeds of the pursuit diminished; however, the vehicle was still failing to stop and was entering heavy commuter traffic. Based upon the greater risk to the public Lapomarda was allegedly creating in Bath, the trooper ended the pursuit.

Lapomarda immediately slowed and became caught up in heavy traffic while under the trooper’s observation. Moments later, more information was provided by State Police dispatch indicating the same vehicle (by Maine registration plate) had multiple complaints of speed and erratic operation on I-295 in Freeport a few minutes before it passed the trooper.

Based on the new information, the trooper initiated a traffic stop on the Range Rover. Lapomarda pulled over momentarily then sped off northbound toward Wiscasset. Through communication with Lincoln County Communications, Wiscasset police deployed tire-deflating strips that flattened both rear tires on the vehicle. Lapomarda continued at slow speeds for about one more mile, when the car came to a stop on Route 1 in front of Big Al’s. Both Wiscasset police and Lincoln County sheriff’s deputies took Lapomarda into custody.

Lapomarda was transported by ambulance to a Brunswick hospital for evaluation. Lapomarda was charged with Eluding an officer, Criminal Speed, Passing a Roadblock, and Reckless Conduct.