Maine Burglary Suspect Tackled in Woods After High Speed Chase

A 33-year-old Brewer man faces multiple charges following a police chase late Monday that ended after the man's car overturned and he fled into the woods.

State Police say the pursuit began around 5 p.m. when a Holden homeowner reported an intruder on his property with items that had been stolen from his house on Mann Hill Road. The homeowner said the man got into a silver Volkswagen and sped off.  The suspect refused to pull over for Holden Police, according to Steve McCausland of the Maine Department of Public Safety.  

After a chase that reached speeds of 90 m.p.h., the driver lost control of his car on the Upper Dedham Road in Dedham and it overturned and went down an embankment. The suspect then took off on foot into the nearby woods.

At this point, several police agencies were involved in the pursuit, including Brewer and Bucksport Police and the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office.

State Trooper Tucker Bonnevie tackled the suspect as he ran through the woods.  McCausland said 33-year-old Charles Fling, Jr. of Brewer was taken into custody about a half mile from the crash site.

Following his arrest, Fling was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center for treatment, and was to be transported to the Penobscot County Jail. Holden Police charged Fling with reckless driving and eluding police officers. He will likely face burglary and other charges as the investigation unfolds.