GRAY, Maine — Maine State Police are investigating a crash on the Maine Turnpike in Gray that led to a pursuit on foot Monday afternoon.
Police responded to a crash on the southbound side of the Turnpike at mile marker 65 in Gray around 1:30 p.m., Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss said in a news release.
An initial investigation revealed 39-year-old Robert Padilla of Waterville was driving a 2019 white Ford F150 when Moss said he used the median to pass a 2025 black GMC 1500 in front of him. Padilla's vehicle reportedly clipped the GMC as he cut back into the passing lane.
The driver of the GMC suffered minor injuries, according to Moss.
Moss said Padilla's vehicle left the roadway and went into a ditch before it stopped.
"Padilla then fled from the vehicle crossing southbound and northbound traffic before coming back across the southbound lanes where he ran into the woods," Moss said.
A Cumberland County Sheriff's Office police dog team quickly located Padilla, who was then brought to a hospital for evaluation.
Moss said charges are pending.
