OSSIPEE — A high-speed police chase on Route 16 ended with the arrest of a 20-year-old Rhode Island woman on multiple charges, including a Class B felony, authorities said Monday.
Maggie Pierini, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, was taken into custody around 12:15 p.m. on Sept. 9 after leading police on a pursuit that reached speeds exceeding 85 mph, according to the Ossipee Police Department.
The incident began with a statewide broadcast to be on the lookout for Pierini, who had been reported missing and was seen fleeing from law enforcement in Grafton, Massachusetts, in her black 2016 Volkswagen Jetta.
Authorities expressed concern for her welfare.
Sgt. Joseph Oswalt spotted Pierini’s car in Ossipee near Harley Jack’s restaurant, stopped due to road construction.
After a brief interaction, Pierini disregarded Oswalt’s commands and fled the scene, dangerously maneuvering through the construction zone and nearly hitting a traffic control flagger.
As the pursuit continued, Pierini narrowly missed a motorcyclist and unlawfully passed him on the left.
Despite efforts to stop her vehicle using stop sticks deployed by Chief Tyler Eldridge of the Effingham Police Department, Pierini evaded the obstacle.
The chase concluded when Pierini went off-road near Pizza Barn and was cornered by Chief Donald F. Babbin Jr., Sgt.
Oswalt, and Officer Joseph Sanchez of the Ossipee Police Department.
She was arrested without incident and charged with disobeying an officer, reckless conduct, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful passing on the left, and speeding in a construction zone with an enhanced penalty.
No injuries or property damage were reported, and Pierini’s vehicle was towed by Crowell’s Towing.
She was held at Carroll County Jail pending bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 29 at Ossipee District Court.
The Ossipee Police Department encourages anyone with additional information to contact Sgt. Joseph Oswalt at (603) 539-2011.
