High-speed car chase in Exeter yields charges

A car with three people in it led Maine game wardens on a chase through parts of Exeter and Stetson earlier this week before the driver pulled over.

The Oct. 4 chase covered about seven miles and speeds reached 70-80 mph, Warden Kevin Adam said Friday.

Adam and Sgt. Doug Tibbetts were on patrol in Exeter and were within 50 yards of a residence where vandals repeatedly had damaged the mailbox. The wardens heard the sound of metal being hit nearby, and, a short time later, a car sped past them.

Adam said the car went through a stop sign and sped up when the wardens switched on their police lights. At one point the car went off the road but managed to get back on it, eventually stopping on Route 222 in Stetson.

The driver, Luc Marquis, 19, of Garland was charged with eluding a police officer and criminal mischief. Passenger Robert Richards, 19, of Exeter, was charged with criminal mischief in connection with damage to a mailbox. A 16-year-old from Exeter who was in the car was referred to juvenile authorities.

Adam said additional alcohol-related charges are expected to be filed in the incident.