WATERVILLE, ME — A high-speed chase that began in Waldo County ended with a crash on Kennedy Memorial Drive around 7:45 a.m. Monday.

Authorities reported that the chase commenced after a deputy attempted to stop a black Toyota RAV4, whose occupants allegedly threw motor oil and fled at speeds exceeding 100 mph towards Kennebec County. The vehicle had been linked to a series of thefts using a sledgehammer to break windows at dispensaries and smoke shops in Hancock County.

The Auburn Police Department confirmed the RAV4 was stolen and had five occupants, including four minors. The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office initiated support for the pursuit at approximately 7:10 a.m. Near Winslow, deputies observed the RAV4 entering at speeds over 110 mph, prompting them to back off as the chase entered a more populated area.

Witnesses reported that the vehicle crashed into another vehicle near Chase Road before veering off the road on Kennedy Memorial Drive. All suspects fled on foot but were apprehended shortly thereafter. No injuries were reported from the crash, though one deputy sustained an arm injury during the pursuit.

The adult suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Larando Sweeting, was taken into custody by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office after initially providing false information about his identity.

In response to the chase, local schools were informed, leading to a lockdown at the Mid-Maine Technical Center. A notice from Regional School Unit 18 inaccurately specified the robbery’s location and incorrectly indicated involvement from Oakland Police, which Chief Rick Stubbert later denied.

Local law enforcement confirmed that charges are forthcoming for all involved in the incident.