Maine Men Accused of Stealing Car, Crashing into Minivan in Rumford
RUMFORD, Maine (WGME) — Two Maine men are facing charges after allegedly stealing a car and crashing it into a minivan in Rumford.
Police have identified the suspects as 40-year-old Luis Alberto Rivera, Jr., and 35-year-old Troy James Blanchard, both of Rumford. According to authorities, the pair stole a Chrysler 200 on Wednesday morning.
Police reports indicate that both men are convicted felons with extensive and violent criminal histories.
A relative of the stolen car’s owner attempted to pursue the suspects in a minivan; however, the suspects crashed the Chrysler 200 into the minivan. The relative sustained facial injuries and was treated at the scene by emergency medical services.
After the crash, the suspects fled the scene on foot. Police apprehended Rivera and Blanchard at an apartment building on Falmouth Street.
According to the Rumford Police Department, the incident occurred near an elementary school and daycare while children were en route to school.
Rivera has been charged with felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony aggravated criminal mischief, terrorizing, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of a personal injury crash, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, and violation of conditions of release.
Blanchard faces charges of felony theft of a motor vehicle, felony aggravated criminal mischief, and refusing to submit to arrest or detention.
The suspects were taken to the Oxford County Jail in South Paris.
Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan has asked a judge to hold the men without bail, citing their extensive felony records. “Both individuals have extensive felony records in Maine, and prior bail, probation conditions, and convictions have failed to deter their criminal behavior or protect the community,” Milligan stated. “In light of their demonstrated history of violence, threats to law enforcement, and total disregard for judicial authority, I have formally requested that the court consider no bail for these dangerous individuals. Granting any form of bail or release would not only undermine public safety but would also fail to uphold the integrity of the judicial process. Rivera and Blanchard’s actions today exemplify their utter disregard for court-ordered conditions and the safety of others.”
