AUGUSTA — A local man is facing numerous charges after reportedly leading police on a low-speed chase in a stolen pickup truck Thursday.

Gerard Poulin, 60, is charged with two counts of unlawful drug possession, operating after suspension and failure to stop for a law enforcement officer, according to an official at the Kennebec County jail, where Poulin was being held Thursday in lieu of nearly $6,600 bail.

Poulin also was arrested on warrants charging him with failure to pay fines, appear to answer charges of criminal trespassing, theft and operating after suspension and three warrants charging failure to pay fines for permitting unlawful use, theft and criminal mischief.

The pursuit started after Waterville Police reported a stolen black, 1997 Dodge pickup truck around 11:15 a.m. Thursday, said Maine State Police Lt. Donald R. Pomelow.

Maine State Game Warden Justin Fowlie spotted the stolen pickup driving south on Interstate 95 around 11:30 a.m.

Fowlie followed the pickup, which police say Poulin was driving, as it got off the interstate at exit 113 in Augusta and headed toward Riverside Drive.

Maine State Police Trooper William Plourde met the truck near Riverside Drive and tried to pull it over, Pomelow said.

“The subject continued traveling about 30 miles per hour into Augusta on Bangor Street,” he said.

Poulin went onto Cony Circle, took a right onto Bridge Street and then took a right onto Water Street before turning left onto Bond Street.

“When he got to the Mount Vernon Avenue intersection he stopped the vehicle,” Pomelow said. “Speeds (during the pursuit) were anywhere from 10 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour.”

Police approached the vehicle and ordered Poulin out of the pickup, Pomelow said. Poulin eventually complied, but then refused to follow instructions.

“He wouldn’t get away from the vehicle or listen to their other commands,” Pomelow said.

Police wrestled Poulin to the ground because he refused to cooperate, Pomelow said. Poulin suffered a scrape to his forehead during the scuffle.

“He was looked at by Augusta rescue,” Pomelow said. “They put a bandage on and sent him on his way.”

Waterville police were unavailable to comment, but Pomelow said he expects Poulin to be charged with stealing the pickup.

“The vehicle didn’t belong to him,” Pomelow said. “The owner’s purse was still in the vehicle.”

Craig Crosby — 621-5642

ccrosby@centralmaine.com

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