Five people, including four juveniles, are facing charges after allegedly leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase across central Maine in a stolen SUV connected to a string of smash-and-grab burglaries targeting smoke shops and dispensaries.
Authorities say the chase stretched across several communities before ending in Waterville when the SUV crashed off Kennedy Memorial Drive and all five suspects attempted to flee on foot. Deputies later captured everyone involved without further incident.
The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office said the SUV had originally been stolen out of Auburn and was tied to multiple overnight break-ins in Hancock County.
Smash-And-Grab Burglaries Target Smoke Shops
Investigators say the suspects used a sledgehammer to smash the windows of smoke shops and dispensaries before entering the businesses and stealing merchandise. According to authorities, the group wore masks during the burglaries and quickly fled the scenes in the stolen SUV.
Law enforcement agencies across Maine have been dealing with an increase in organized retail thefts involving smoke shops and cannabis-related businesses. These businesses are often targeted because of the high resale value of vape products, smoking accessories, and THC-related merchandise.
Officials believe the suspects coordinated the burglaries and moved rapidly between locations during the overnight hours. The sheriff’s office has not yet released the total value of the stolen items or confirmed how many businesses were targeted.
Police linked the SUV to the break-ins shortly before deputies attempted to stop the vehicle. Instead of pulling over, investigators say the suspects accelerated and began leading officers on a dangerous pursuit through central Maine.
Chase Reaches Speeds Over 100 MPH
According to the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, the chase reached speeds topping 100 miles per hour as deputies pursued the SUV through multiple towns and cities.
Authorities say the suspects also threw motor oil at a Waldo County deputy during the pursuit in an apparent attempt to interfere with law enforcement efforts.
During the chase, the stolen SUV reportedly collided with another vehicle in Waterville. Officials said no serious injuries were reported from that crash, though the incident added to the danger of the pursuit.
The chase eventually came to an end when the SUV lost control and went off the road on Kennedy Memorial Drive. All five occupants immediately fled the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot.
Law enforcement officers quickly established a perimeter in the area and tracked down all five suspects a short time later.
Authorities confirmed that no civilians were injured during the pursuit or crash. However, one deputy reportedly suffered an arm injury during the incident.
Adult Suspect Identified After Giving False Name
The sheriff’s office said four of the five suspects involved were juveniles. The only adult allegedly attempted to mislead officers by providing a false identity after being taken into custody.
“The one adult lied to the nice officer about who he really was, which was cleared up when his mother got on the phone, who let us know it was 18-year-old Larando Sweeting,” the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the juvenile suspects due to their ages.
The case quickly drew strong reactions online, with many community members expressing concern over the dangerous nature of the chase and the involvement of juveniles in the alleged crimes.
One commenter wrote that all of the suspects should face lengthy prison sentences because “this kind of behavior only escalates.” Another commenter joked about the suspects allegedly throwing motor oil during the chase, comparing the incident to the video game Mario Kart.
Others pointed to previous criminal cases involving individuals with the same surname, though officials have not indicated whether there is any connection.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence from the burglaries, the chase, and the crash. Additional charges could still be filed as investigators piece together the full timeline of events.
Officials are also working to determine whether the group may be connected to other unsolved smoke shop burglaries or vehicle thefts across the state.