November 08, 2024
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Suspect flees police by going to jail

BANGOR – An Old Town man who led Maine State Police on a high-speed chase from Orono to the Penobscot County Jail remained in his cell Wednesday night unable to make bail.

Hugh J. Hill, 40, was arrested on Tuesday evening in the jail parking lot by Trooper Kyle Willette.

“It’s the first time I’ve had a suspect that’s fled to the jail,” he said Wednesday.

The chase began about 6:25 p.m. Tuesday in the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 in Orono when Willette attempted to stop Hill for driving erratically and traffic infractions, the trooper said Wednesday. Hill fled toward Bangor, exceeding a speed of more than 100 mph through Veazie.

“He slowed down in traffic congestion near Hogan Road as he got into Bangor,” the trooper said. “He exited at Union Street, turned left to downtown, then left onto Hammond Street.

“He continued down past the YMCA, turned left onto Court Street and made a right into the Penobscot County facility and went around back to the jail.”

Hill’s blood alcohol level was .11, slightly higher than the legal limit of .08, according to court documents. He has a significant criminal history, including convictions for assault, robbery and theft in state court, according to Penobscot Count Assistant District Attorney Alice Clifford.

Hill also was sentenced in 1998 in U.S. District Court in Bangor to five years in federal prison for a firearm violation. His probation on that conviction was revoked in 2003 and Hill spent two additional years in federal prison, according to federal court documents.

On Wednesday, Maine District Court Judge Ann Murray set Hill’s bail at $1,000 cash or $10,000 surety when he appeared before her in 3rd District Court in Bangor.

Hill is charged with eluding a police officer. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Other charges, including operating under the influence of intoxicants, criminal speeding and operating after suspension, could be filed, according to the Penobscot County District Attorney’s office.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for May 14 in Penobscot County Superior Court. If Hill is indicted by the Penobscot County grand jury before then, the hearing would not be held.


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