SACO — A Saco man accused of speeding off from police who had stopped his SUV on Water Street, then crashing into another vehicle and injuring a woman after a brief car chase was arrested on Wednesday after he was released from the hospital.

A Maine Drug Enforcement Agency agent had pulled over a black 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by 45-year-old Vaughn Hanson on Water Street shortly after noon on Wednesday on suspicion of drug activity and called for assistance from the Saco Police Department, according to Saco police.

After the Saco police officer arrived, the SUV drove off down Water Street, prompting a police chase with the MDEA agent and Saco officer in pursuit. The chase went to Lincoln, Spring and Bradley streets before the SUV crashed into a gray 2003 Honda CRV on New County Road, police said.

Hanson’s SUV went airborne in the crash, rolling when it landed and ending up on its roof with heavy damage, according to police.

The driver of the CRV, Harry Wellsman, 80, of Parsonsfield, was uninjured in the crash. His wife, 76-year-old Sally Wellsmam, suffered injuries to her right foot and ankle. They were both transported by ambulance to Maine Medical Center in Portland.

The CRV was totaled with damage to its front end and passenger side, according to police.

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Hanson was also taken to Maine Medical Center following the crash and was taken into custody by Saco police upon his release.

Hanson was charged with eluding a police officer, aggravated criminal mischief and reckless conduct. The first two charges are Class C felonies punishable by up to five years in prison.

Two passengers in Hanson’s vehicle, Kayla Bausha, 18, and Anthony Jarry, 28, both of Old Orchard Beach, were also detained.

The MDEA referred the case to the Attorney General’s Office to determine what charges to bring against Bausha and Jarry and what further charges will be brought against Hanson. The MDEA’s office said the case remains under investigation.

Hanson was unable to post $2,500 bail and remains in custody at York County Jail in Alfred. He is scheduled to appear in Alfred Superior Court on Oct. 31.

Staff Writer Scott Dolan can be contacted at: 791-6304 or at

sdolan@mainetoday.com


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