Officials say a man running from a state trooper tried to enter a woman’s vehicle that was stopped at a red light near the Maine Mall. Now, police are trying to contact that woman as a witness.

Police responded to a single-vehicle crash at the curve of the Exit 45 northbound toll in South Portland at around noon on Wednesday, according to a new release from the department of public safety.

The alleged driver of the tan 2019 Toyota Tacoma, Ryan Simpson, 41, of Portland, ran off with his dog after the crash, the release stated.

Simpson allegedly ran through the nearby woods into the parking lot of the Applebee’s restaurant on Maine Mall Road.

“A Trooper engaged him in the parking lot, but Simpson’s dog got in between him and the Trooper prompting Simpson to take off running across Maine Mall Road towards the mall,” the release stated.

At the intersection of the turnpike spur and Maine Mall Road, the release stated, “Simpson attempted to make entry into a car that was stopped at a red light. The passenger door was locked, and he could not get inside.”

The trooper immobilized Simpson with a taser and took him into custody, according to the release.

He was expected to be transported to Cumberland County Jail following an evaluation at Maine Medical Center.

Simpson was expected to be 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, according to the release. He also had two outstanding warrants.

The dog was not injured and was taken by a South Portland animal control officer.   

Troopers want to speak to the woman who was driving the vehicle Simpson tried to get into. The vehicle is a white station wagon or hatchback, possibly a Toyota. That person is asked to contact the Augusta Regional Communications Center at (207) 624-7076 to speak with Cpl. Doug Cropper.