FALMOUTH — A 30-year-old Portland man faces several charges after allegedly leading Cumberland Police on a high-speed chase that ended with a crash and the arrests of two other people early this morning.

John Martell, of Portland, was arrested this morning on charges of felony eluding a police officer, aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation, reckless conduct, criminal speed and failing to report a crash. He was also charged with violating bail conditions for previous arrest of operating under the influence.

Around 12:50 a.m., Cumberland Police officer Antonio Ridge conducted a bail check on a car owned by 18-year-old Meghan Cangello, of Kennebunk that was traveling southbound on Blackstrap Road. Ridge said when he tried to stop the car, it took off, reaching speeds of at least 70 miles per hour during the 2-mile chase.

He said the car veered off the roadway near 300 Blackstrap Rd. and crashed into a barn. He said the suspects fled into the woods. A Portland Police dog tracked the scent, which led to the arrests of Cangello and a female passenger, Savannah Barnes, 19, of Saco. Ridge said they were passengers in the vehicle.

Cangello was charged with permitting unlawful use of a motor vehicle and Barnes was charged with fraudulent use of license. They were both charged with violating bail conditions of a previous arrest.

Police returned to the scene around 7 a.m. and arrested Martell, who was walking along Blackstrap Road near the crash. Ridge said Martell matched the description of the driver of the vehicle.
 


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