A chase between a Hyundai Sonata and a Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy resulted in a fatal crash and multiple injuries in Aurora.
Arrested and charged was the driver, 21-year-old James Nile.
From the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department:
On April 19th, 2025, at approximately 6:40PM, Deputy Gregory Mailhot was conducting traffic enforcement on Route 9 in the Town of Aurora. While stationary on the side of the roadway, Deputy Mailhot observed a 2012 Hyundai Sonata pass by his location, traveling east. As the vehicle passed by Deputy Mailhot’s location, he observed the sedan to be traveling in the oncoming traffic lane, above the posted 50 mph speed limit, and also observed the vehicle to have mechanical defects. Due to Deputy Mailhot’s observations, a traffic stop was attempted. The vehicle initially came to a brief stop before accelerating rapidly as the vehicle fled.
Subsequently, a motor vehicle pursuit ensued as the offending vehicle continued to travel East on Route 9 passing through several towns and townships. The pursuit extended into Washington County before the offending vehicle crashed in the Town of Wesley. At this time, it was discovered that the vehicle was occupied by four individuals:
James Nile DOB 9/3/2003 of Bangor
Caleigh Caine DOB 10/14/2005 of Bangor
Tony Cathcart DOB 3/23/2000 of Bangor
John Branscomb DOB 9/6/1986 of Bangor.Following the crash, three of the individuals fled the crash scene on foot while one male, identified as John Branscomb DOB 9/6/1986, died as a result of his injuries. Over the course of the following 16 hours, all three individuals that had fled on foot were apprehended and provided medical attention. The driver, identified as James Nile DOB 9/3/2003, was subsequently arrested and transported to the Hancock County Jail where he has been charged with Aggravated Eluding (Class B Felony), Aggravated Driving to Endanger (Class C Felony), and Operating After Suspension (Class E Misdemeanor.) Additionally, Nile was on probation for Burglary at the time of his arrest and is being held/charged for violating conditions of his probation. Nile has been provided a later date to appear in Ellsworth District Court.
The Maine State Police is investigating the fatal crash.
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