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 Sunday.

John Martell of Portland was charged with felony eluding a police officer, aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation, reckless conduct, criminal speed and failing to report a crash, as well as violating bail conditions related to a previous arrest on a charge of operating under the influence.

Around 12:50 a.m., Cumberland Officer Antonio Ridge conducted a bail check on a car owned by 18-year-old Meghan Cangello of Kennebunk that was traveling south on Blackstrap Road. When he tried to stop the car, the driver sped off, reaching speeds of 70 mph during the two-mile chase. He said the car veered off the road near 300 Blackstrap Road in Falmouth and crashed into a barn. The suspects fled into the woods.

A Portland police dog tracked the scent, which led to the arrests of Cangello and Savannah Barnes, 19, of Saco, who were passengers in the vehicle.

Cangello was charged with permitting unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and Barnes with fraudulent use of a license. Both were charged with violating bail conditions related to a previous arrest.

Police returned around 7 a.m. and arrested Martell, who was walking along Blackstrap Road near the crash scene.

 

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