WEST PARIS — A deputy from the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office was injured Friday night after a confrontation with a wanted fugitive who then fled the scene, authorities said.
At approximately 9:15 p.m., Deputy Andre Chasse received a tip that Kevin Michael Litchfield Jr., 37, who had an active extraditable warrant from the US Marshals Office for a probation violation related to drug charges, was spotted in West Paris.
Litchfield, also on federal probation and under two sets of bail conditions, was seen by Deputy Chasse in his vehicle at the Rusty Lantern on Route 26.
When Deputy Chasse approached and identified Litchfield, the suspect refused to exit his vehicle and a physical altercation ensued.
Litchfield fought back and resisted arrest, managing to put the vehicle into gear and accelerate into a nearby field, dragging Deputy Chasse alongside before he was thrown clear, narrowly avoiding being run over.
The suspect then drove back into the parking lot and fled north on Route 26 at high speed.
Deputies later found Litchfield’s abandoned vehicle on Fuller Hill Road in Woodstock.
Despite a search by the Sheriff’s Office K9 Team, Litchfield was not found.
An adult female who was in the vehicle with Litchfield at the time of the incident has been identified, but her involvement is still under investigation.
Deputy Chasse was transported to Stephens Memorial Hospital for treatment of abrasions to his face and head, as well as other minor injuries.
He has since been released.
The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Litchfield will face additional charges, including Aggravated Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault on a Police Officer, Driving to Endanger, Refusing to Submit to Arrest, and Violation of Conditions of Release.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Litchfield’s whereabouts or details that may lead to his capture to contact the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office at 207-743-9554.
