Man Fled with Dog after Crash and Tried to Hijack Car in Maine

A 41-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after fleeing from police with his dog and trying to gain entry into another occupied car near the Maine Mall in South Portland.

Man Fled after Crash

The Maine State Police said Ryan Simpson from Portland crashed his Tacoma around 12 pm. He then fled on foot with his dog into the woods and the Applebee’s parking lot on Maine Mall Road.

Dog got Between Suspect and Trooper

A Trooper tried to apprehend him, but Simpson’s dog got in between and he continued to flee towards the Mall.

Man Tried to Gain Entry into a Vehicle

Simpson tried to “make entry into a car that was stopped at a red light. The passenger door was locked, and he could not get inside,” said police.

Taser Deployed to Subdue Suspect

The Trooper deployed his “taser and safely immobilized Simpson before taking him into custody without further incident,” said Maine State Police.

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Warrants and Multiple Charges

Simpson had warrants and was transported to the Cumberland County Jail. He is charged with Operating after Suspension, Failure to Submit to Arrest and Detention, Attempted Burglary of a Motor Vehicle and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident.

Dog is Safe

“The dog was not injured. It was safely taken into custody by a South Portland Animal Control Officer,” said police.

Police Looking for Woman in Car

Troopers are looking for the woman who was driving the vehicle Simpson was trying to get into. She was driving a white station wagon/hatchback, possibly a Toyota. Call (207) 624-7076 and ask to speak to Cpl. Doug Cropper if you have any information.

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