New York man indicted for police chase

SKOWHEGAN – A 42-year-old man from Bronx, N.Y., was indicted this week on three felony charges stemming from a high-speed chase last May on Interstate 95 that began in Brewer and ended in Fairfield when police disabled the vehicle.

The Somerset County grand jury indicted Matthew Longo on three felony charges: eluding an officer, passing a roadblock and theft.

Longo was arrested May 1 just south of Exit 35 in Fairfield after he allegedly stole a 1999 Toyota Camry from Ivan Buck in Brewer and then began driving south on the Interstate.

Off-duty Maine Warden Deborah Palman originally spotted the car and attempted to pull it over, but Longo allegedly reached speeds of 120 mph and was passing cars in the breakdown lane.

Several cars were almost forced off the road, according to a police affidavit, because of Longo’s erratic driving.

Eventually, Fairfield police used spike mats to disable the car.

Ten other people were also indicted. All are to appear for arraignment Sept. 6 in Somerset County Superior Court.

Others indicted included:

Roger Lee Gross, 47, Ferry Street, Solon, gross sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact.

Priscilla L. Ripley, 32, and Ronald Scott Keith, 35, both of Waterville Hill Road, Norridgewock, unlawful trafficking in drugs.

Philip E. Burrill, 49, Jones Street, Skowhegan, gross sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact.

Danny J. Lavoie, 44, Hampshire Street, Auburn, operating under the influence of intoxicants.

Edward J. Ramsdell, 42, Salisbury Road, operating after revocation, operating under the influence of intoxicants (seventh charge) and assault.

Archie R. Engstrom, 28, St. Albans Road, Palmyra, sexual abuse of a minor, gross sexual assault.

Ronald Carver, 45, Poland, unlawful sexual contact.

Gregory Donovan, 39, Mayhew Road, Starks, two counts of theft.

Thomas Bouchard, 18, Middle Street, Skowhegan, burglary and theft.