Ohio Man Arrested Following I-95 Incident in Hampden

September 1, 2026 — by Scanner Alerts Media

Hampden, Maine

An Ohio man is facing multiple charges after Maine State Police say he fled a traffic stop on Interstate 95, crashed in the median and then ran into the woods Monday afternoon.

A female passenger who police said had facial injuries was transported to a Bangor hospital for evaluation.

Key Points

• Incident began: Monday, August 31, at approximately 3:13 p.m.

• Initial report involved an erratically operated Toyota Tacoma near Plymouth

• Driver: William Ratliffe, 33, of South Euclid, Ohio

• Police say Ratliffe fled a traffic stop in Hampden

• Vehicle later crashed in the median

• Driver allegedly fled on foot into the woods

• Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team assisted in locating him

• Female passenger transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

• Ratliffe faces multiple charges, with additional charges possible

Traffic Stop on I-95

The Bangor Regional Communications Center received a report at approximately 3:13 p.m. of a Toyota Tacoma operating erratically and weaving in and out of traffic near mile marker 163 in Plymouth.

A Maine State Police trooper located the Tacoma traveling northbound in Carmel and initiated a traffic stop near mile marker 173 in Hampden.

According to State Police, the driver became argumentative and initially refused to identify himself. Police said the trooper detected an odor of alcohol and observed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle.

The trooper also observed a female passenger with facial injuries.

Driver Allegedly Flees and Crashes

When the trooper asked the driver to exit the Tacoma, police allege he refused and fled the traffic stop at a high rate of speed.

A short time later, the trooper located the Tacoma after it had crashed in the median and come to rest on the southbound side of I-95 across from the Hampden Rest Area.

Police said the driver left the vehicle and fled on foot into the wooded median.

K-9 Team Assists With Arrest

With assistance from a Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team, police located Ratliffe hiding in the woods along the interstate and took him into custody.

Ratliffe was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for medical clearance before being taken to the Penobscot County Jail.

State Police charged Ratliffe with Domestic Violence Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon, Domestic Violence Assault, OUI Refusal, Operating Without a License, Refusing to Submit to Arrest or Detention, and Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash.

Police said additional charges are possible.

The female passenger was transported to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for evaluation of her injuries.

The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, Hampden Police Department, Hampden Fire & EMS and Maine Department of Transportation assisted State Police.

All charges are allegations. Ratliffe is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Credit: Maine State Police