An Orient man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a 55-mile pursuit through Aroostook County.

On Oct.  12 at about 11:21 am, law enforcement officers from multiple agencies were alerted to a vehicle that had almost struck a Maine game warden. 

The Warden was in Lincoln and dealing with a moose complaint. Police say he witnessed a vehicle fleeing the scene of a suspected trespass and theft at the Lincoln Pulp and Tissue Mill. 

A state trooper located the vehicle on Route 2 in Winn and a high speed pursuit ensued, police said.

Troopers and Aroostook County sheriff’s deputies deployed tire deflation matts that slowed the vehicle.

A trooper then performed a Precision Immobilization Technique, or PIT, to end the chase in Haynesville. Typically, in a PIT maneuver, the pursuing officer will use their cruiser to force the fleeing vehicle to suddenly turn sideways. As a result, the driver of the fleeing vehicle loses control and often goes off the road.

The driver, Michael Godrin, 32, of Orient, allegedly fled but was quickly located and taken into custody without further incident, according to police.

“The pursuit ended at 12:52 p.m.,” a news release from the Maine Department of Public Safety read. “The total length of the pursuit was 55.2 miles.”

Godfrin was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court, police said. He was also charged with eluding, passing a roadblock and driving to endanger, operating after suspension and criminal speeding.

Godfrin also faces additional charges from the Warden Service and the Lincoln Police Department. 

He was transported to Aroostook County Jail.

Two passengers were transported to the Lincoln Police Department where they posted bail.

Zachary Hitchcock, 29, of Windham and Shane Godfrin, 34, of Orient, were charged with theft and criminal trespassing. Shane Godfrin was also charged with violating the conditions of his release.