ATV rider leads authorities on late-night chase

PRESQUE ISLE – A Castle Hill man who tried to get away from police on an all-terrain vehicle Sunday night was found early Monday morning and charged with operating while under the influence.

Rodney Carmichael, 54, of McDonald Road, whose license was already under suspension, was seen by Presque Isle Police Department Officer John York on the Parsons Street Connector Road at about 11:30 p.m.

When York tried to stop Carmichael, the man allegedly fled, turning his all-terrain vehicle off the public road onto a trail which leads north to Washburn from Presque Isle.

Presque Isle police Chief Naldo Gagnon said Carmichael went through a SAD 1 school bus yard and headed down the trail. York, who at this time had halted his chase for Carmichael, followed him visually, at times only seeing a dust trail left rising by the speeding ATV.

Sgt. Dave McPherson of the Maine State Police, Dennis Quint and Jeff Mechalko, both of the Presque Isle Police Department, joined York.

At one point, the department’s canine was called in to assist.

Carmichael reportedly jumped off his ATV near Nomacca Camp campground on Parsons Road, fleeing through the woods. Police were able to keep Carmichael within sight most of the time as he ran.

When he was apprehended by police, Carmichael offered no resistance.

Gagnon said there were no injuries in the incident that lasted until 12:30 a.m. Monday.