Teen Burglary Suspects Lead Maine Police On High-Speed Chase

What started as a smash-and-grab spree across Maine turned into a high-speed blur of shattered glass, flying motor oil, and flashing blue lights before finally ending in Waterville Monday morning.

According to an article on the WABI website, four teenage boys and one 18-year-old male are now facing charges after authorities say the group tore through parts of Hancock, Waldo, and Kennebec counties targeting dispensaries and smoke shops.

Chief Deputy Chris Read says the suspects were riding in a black Toyota RAV4 and allegedly used a sledgehammer to smash their way into multiple businesses while wearing masks and stealing merchandise before taking off.

One of the businesses hit was Smokey Bear Tobacco and Beverage in Ellsworth. Police there say the suspects forced their way into the store just after 5:30 Monday morning.

Things escalated quickly after that.

Authorities say deputies in Waldo County attempted to stop the suspects, but during the chaos one deputy had motor oil thrown directly in his face before the SUV sped off toward Kennebec County at speeds topping 100 miles per hour. Deputies say the suspects dodged a spike mat in China, then continued racing through Winslow at more than 110 mph before officers briefly backed off as traffic increased.

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The chase picked back up in Waterville after the RAV4 crashed near Chase Road. From there, Waterville Police Department took over the pursuit, which finally came to an end after the vehicle went off-road on Kennedy Memorial Drive.

But even then, it wasn’t over yet.

Deputies say all five suspects jumped out and tried to run, turning the situation into a foot chase before every suspect was eventually taken into custody.

Investigators later discovered the Toyota had reportedly been stolen out of Auburn.

Because four of the suspects are juveniles, their identities are not being released. The adult suspect has been identified as Larando Sweeting.

Ellsworth Police say the suspects are facing burglary, theft, and aggravated criminal mischief charges connected to the break-in at Smokey Bear, though Chief Deputy Read says there are plenty more charges likely coming.

“There is a long list of charges ahead of these youngsters and one adult that made bad choices in Hancock, Waldo and finally, Kennebec County,” Read said.

Despite the crashes and chaos, officials say no civilians were hurt. One deputy suffered an arm injury and is expected to be out of work while recovering.