Maine sheriff's deputy injured when dragged by car; Continue searching for fugitive

Source Portland Press Herald, Maine

WEST PARIS, ME – Police are looking for a man who allegedly dragged an Oxford County deputy in his car to the Rusty Lantern Market and gas station on Route 26 on Friday evening before fleeing.

The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office released a statement Monday saying deputies are looking for Kevin Michael Litchfield Jr., 37, of West Paris on numerous charges after they say he was shot Friday around 9:15 p.m. refused to get out of his car when ordered by Oxford County Sheriff’s Deputy Andre Chasse.

“President Chasse was aware that there was an active extradition warrant for Litchfield from the U.S. Marshal’s Office for a probation violation stemming from drug charges. Litchfield was also on federal probation and two sets of bail conditions,” the statement said.

Chasse observed Litchfield’s vehicle at the Rusty Lantern and identified the driver as Litchfield, the affidavit said. “Litchfield refused lawful commands to exit the vehicle, which resulted in a physical confrontation. Litchfield actively fought with the deputy and resisted arrest.

“During the struggle, Litchfield put the vehicle into gear and accelerated forward, driving him into the adjacent field. Deputy Chasse was dragged alongside the vehicle before falling off the driver’s side – almost being run over. Litchfield drove back across the field and back into the roadway parking lot before fleeing northbound on Route 26 at a high rate of speed,” the statement said.

Authorities say they later found Litchfield’s vehicle abandoned on Fuller Hill Road in Woodstock. The Sheriff’s Office K9 team attempted to track Litchfield, but he was not found.

According to the statement, an adult female was in the vehicle with Litchfield “and she has been identified. Her role in this incident remains under evaluation.”

According to authorities, Chasse was transported to a hospital in Norway, treated for abrasions to his face and head, along with minor bruises and contusions, and released.

The statement from Major Dana Thompson of the Sheriff’s Office said Litchfield faces additional charges of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, driving to endanger, refusing to submit to arrest and violating conditions of release.

The office is asking anyone who knows where Litchfield is or has information about him to contact the office at 207-743-9554.

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