SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — A man from Portland was taken into custody Wednesday after allegedly crashing his car along the curve of the Exit 45 northbound toll in South Portland and then taking off on foot with his dog.
According to a Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss, the crash occurred around noon on Wednesday. Troopers responded to the scene and determined that 41-year-old Ryan Simpson of Portland crashed his tan 2019 Toyota Tacoma and then took off on foot with his dog.
Troopers said Simpson ran through the nearby woods and into the Applebee's parking lot on Maine Mall Road. A trooper engaged him in the parking lot but said Simpson's dog got in between them. Simpson then took off running towards the Maine Mall, the release stated.
"Once he reached the intersection of the Turnpike Spur and Maine Mall Road (next to Jared's) Simpson attempted to make entry into a car that was stopped at a red light. The passenger door was locked, and he could not get inside," according to the release.
Moss said the trooper on the scene was then able to deploy his taser and immobilize Simpson before taking him into custody without further incident.
According to Moss, he was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland to be evaluated. Upon release, he will be transported to Cumberland County Jail.
"Simpson had two outstanding warrants. He will also be charged with Operating after Suspension, Failure to Submit to Arrest and Detention, Attempted Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident," the release states. "The dog was not injured. It was safely taken into custody by a South Portland Animal Control Officer."
Moss noted that troopers were looking to speak with the woman driving the vehicle Simpson had attempted to enter. Officials say it was a white station wagon/hatchback, possibly a Toyota.
If this was you or someone you know, police advise contacting the Augusta Regional Communications Center at 207-624-7076 and ask to speak to Cpl. Doug Cropper.