SEARSMONT – A local man faces traffic charges after leading police on a motorcycle chase through three communities Wednesday evening.

Joshua E. Mace, 18, of Searsmont was charged with attempting to elude an officer, operating without a license, criminal speeding, driving to endanger, failure to stop for an officer and improper passing.

According to Belfast police, the chase began at 5:07 p.m. on Route 3 in Belfast when Officer Brian Lunt attempted to stop a speeding 1991 Kawasaki motorcycle.

Rather than pull over, the operator accelerated and headed west down the highway. Lunt gave chase and reported that the motorcycle reached speeds of more than 100 mph. Lunt continued to pursue the motorcycle as it left Belfast and entered Belmont.

Three state troopers and two Waldo County deputies moved to position themselves to intercept the motorcycle, but the driver eluded them on the New England Road in Searsmont.

Officers found the motorcycle at a home on the Fowles Road. They also found Mace and a friend inside. When confronted, Mace admitted that he was the driver and told police he fled because he did not have a license.