A 28-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after authorities recovered a stolen vehicle and tracked down the suspect following a multi-agency investigation in Lisbon.
According to the Lisbon Police Department, officers were notified around 4:30 p.m. on July 15 that a gray 2015 Dodge Caravan had been stolen from the Dollar Tree in Richmond and was headed toward Lisbon.
Officers later located the vehicle, which was stopped in traffic in Lisbon Falls. When they attempted a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop. Due to heavy traffic and concerns for public safety, officers did not pursue the vehicle.
A short time later, officers working with the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office found the stolen van on Fillion Street in Lisbon. Witnesses reported seeing the driver flee on foot, and police quickly established a search of the area.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Birkbeck, 28, was located on Town and Country Drive and taken into custody without incident.
Birkbeck was turned over to the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Two Bridges Regional Jail. Lisbon Police said they intend to charge him with Failing to Stop for a Police Officer and Driving to Endanger, with additional charges from other agencies expected as the investigation continues.
The stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its owner.
Lisbon Police thanked local residents for providing information that helped officers locate the suspect and also acknowledged the assistance of the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Warden Service.
Criminal charges are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
