Maine man arrested on drug, gun charges after chase through downtown

Benjamin Ball (Rochester Police photos)

ROCHESTER - A Maine man trying to elude police during a motor vehicle chase Wednesday night crashed on North Main Street and was captured moments later after attempting to flee on foot.

The incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. when a Rochester Police Officer was on patrol in the area of Knight Street when he observed a vehicle leaving Cumberland Farms with its headlights off.

Brandi Richmond

The officer pulled behind the vehicle and noticed what appeared to be a hand-written registration plate. According to a press release sent today, the officer then activated their cruiser's emergency lights, but the vehicle continued on without stopping.

The vehicle turned from Knight Street onto Charles Street, passing another vehicle on the left crossing over the double yellow line into oncoming traffic, police say, causing, a vehicle in the opposite lane to stop to avoid an accident.

"The vehicle continued traveling on Charles Street toward the intersection of Columbus Avenue before turning onto different streets," Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said in the release. "It appeared as if it was not familiar with the area due to the route it was taking."

The vehicle continued onto Washington Street before turning onto North Main Street where the operator attempted to turn but crashed into an electronic message sign.

The operator, Benjamin Ball, 25 of Shapleigh, Maine, and a female passenger, Brandi Richmond, 28 of Sanford, Maine, both fled the vehicle but were quickly taken into custody.

Officers located a handgun in the vehicle and also an undetermined amount of what appeared to be the narcotic drug fentanyl as well as methamphetamine. Officers also learned that Ball was a convicted felon and was wanted out of Oxford, Maine.

Ball was taken to Strafford County Jail where he will be held until his arraignment later today.

He is being charged with three counts of reckless conduct with a deadly weapon for nearly causing several motor vehicle accidents during the incident, conduct after an accident, disobeying an officer, felon in possession of a dangerous weapon, three counts of drug possession, transporting drugs, criminal mischief, resisting arrest/detention and as a fugitive from justice.

Richmond is being charged with resisting arrest, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. She was released on bail and issued a court date at the 7^th Circuit District Division Rochester Court on July 8.