Authorities are searching for a suspect who dragged a deputy alongside a vehicle before the officer fell off and was nearly run over in West Paris.
Deputy Andre Chasse received information that 37-year-old Kevin Michael Litchfield Jr. of West Paris, who was wanted for probation violation stemming from drug charges, was in the West Paris area Friday, according to the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office.
Chasse spotted Litchfield in a vehicle parked at the Rusty Lantern on Route 26 in West Paris.
“Litchfield refused lawful orders to exit the vehicle which resulted in a physical confrontation; Litchfield actively fought with the deputy and resisted arrest,” Oxford County sheriff’s Maj. Dana Thompson said.
During the struggle, authorities said Litchfield drove into an adjacent field. Chasse was dragged alongside the vehicle before falling off the driver’s side and nearly being run over.
Litchfield then drove off on Route 26. The suspect’s vehicle was later found abandoned on Fuller Hill Road in Woodstock, according to authorities.
Deputies are searching for Litchfield. A woman was inside the vehicle with Litchfield, and she has been identified. Her role is still being evaluated, according to the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office.
Chasse was taken to Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, where he was treated and released. Officials said he suffered abrasions to his face and head along with minor bruises.
Litchfield will face additional charges for aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, driving to endanger, refusing to submit to arrest and violation of conditions of release, according to the sheriff’s office.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office at 207-743-9554.
