AURORA — A 21-year-old Bangor man faces multiple felony charges following a police pursuit that began in Aurora and ended with a fatal crash in Washington County.
On April 19, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Deputy Gregory Mailhot was conducting traffic enforcement on Route 9 in Aurora when he observed a 2012 Hyundai Sonata traveling east in the oncoming lane above the posted 50 mph speed limit.
The vehicle briefly stopped when Mailhot attempted a traffic stop but then accelerated rapidly, initiating a pursuit eastbound on Route 9 through several towns and townships.
The chase extended into Washington County before the vehicle crashed in the town of Wesley, where authorities discovered four occupants in the vehicle.
John Branscomb, 38, of Bangor, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash, while three others fled on foot.
Within 16 hours, authorities apprehended all three individuals who had fled, including the driver, James Nile, 21, of Bangor, who was arrested and transported to Hancock County Jail.
Nile faces charges of Aggravated Eluding, a Class B felony; Aggravated Driving to Endanger, a Class C felony; and Operating After Suspension, a Class E misdemeanor.
Officials said Nile was on probation for burglary at the time of his arrest and is also being held for violating probation conditions.
Multiple agencies assisted in the operation, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 units, Maine State Police, and the Wesley Fire Department.
