Old Town man crashes into Milford home after attempting to ram deputy’s vehicle

MILFORD — An Old Town man was arrested after he crashed his truck into a Milford residence, following an attempt to ram a Penobscot County Sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle on Sunday night.

The incident occurred on September 15, at around 10:05 p.m., when a deputy, responding to a call for backup with emergency lights and siren active, was traveling south along Route 2.

The deputy noticed a truck speeding towards him from behind.

Despite efforts to avoid a collision by swerving into the opposite lane, the truck driver, later identified as Albert Harnois, 41, of Old Town, persisted in his attempt to strike the deputy’s vehicle.

After narrowly missing the deputy’s car, Harnois lost control of his truck, which then struck a utility pole before crashing into the first floor of a house near Call Road.

Three occupants inside the home were unharmed, despite the extensive damage and debris caused by the collision.

Harnois was trapped inside the truck, surrounded by debris and live utility wires.

Emergency responders waited until utility crews were able to cut the power to the area before they could safely extract him.

Once removed from the wreckage, Harnois was taken to a local hospital with minor head injuries.

While receiving a mental health evaluation at the hospital, Harnois assaulted hospital staff.

Earlier in the day, he had been served with a criminal trespass notice by the Old Town Police, followed by another notice from a deputy about 30 minutes prior to the ramming attempt.

The deputy involved in the near-collision was not associated with the trespass incidents.

Harnois was released from the hospital and booked into the Penobscot County Jail.

He faces multiple charges, including criminal attempted assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated criminal mischief, driving to endanger, reckless conduct, and criminal speed.

The Milford, Old Town, and Bangor Fire Departments assisted the Sheriff’s Office at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, and further charges are anticipated.