PORTLAND — A city man who led police on a chase that involved several car crashes on Forest Avenue will have to spend nine months behind bars.

Rahim Faleh, 50, faced nine charges in connection with the March 30 incident. Four of those, along with earlier charges of domestic violence terrorizing and domestic violence assault, were dismissed. The agreement between the prosecutor and Faleh’s defense attorney removes the possibility of deportation for Faleh, who is from Iraq.

Today in Cumberland County Superior Court, Faleh was sentenced for two counts of failing to stop, remain or provide information, reckless conduct, driving to endanger and disorderly conduct. The combination of sentences equals nine months of imprisonment.

Justice Thomas Warren also sentenced Faleh to three years of probation. He is prohibited from contact with his two eldest children and will be allowed contact with the younger three as permitted by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Police said that Faleh was at one of his children’s school when he was prohibited from having contact with them  He led police on a chase and crashed into three vehicles, including a box truck that rolled on its side. Forest Avenue was closed for about four hours after the incident.

A police report indicates Faleh suffered from severe mental health problems.

Faleh hopes to be reunified with his children but will obey the court’s order, said J.P. DeGrinney, his lawyer.
 


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