Car barrels into Portland Square parking lot after police chase, erupts in flames
Portland Man Crashes Twice in High‑Speed Incident on Sunday Night
Portland, Maine – In a dramatic sequence of events that unfolded late on Sunday evening, 28‑year‑old Jace Murphy of Portland was involved in two separate vehicle crashes, according to officials. Police first responded to a crash near Deering Avenue, where Murphy’s vehicle was found derailed. Officers attempted to apprehend the driver, but Murphy fled the scene at high speed before they could take him into custody.
The pursuit led him to Portland Square, where the vehicle struck a structure and came to rest after a second collision. Police and emergency responders arrived within minutes of the second impact, but no injuries were reported to the public as of the latest update.
“We were alerted to a serious crash near Deering Avenue early Sunday night,” said a spokesperson for the Portland Police Department. “After locating the vehicle and attempting to detain the driver, Mr. Murphy fled the scene. We later discovered the vehicle had collided with a building at Portland Square.” The spokesperson added that the officer who pursued the driver was unable to apprehend him before he struck the second location.
Officials did not confirm whether the driver was wearing a seat belt or whether the vehicle sustained significant damage beyond the crashes. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported to have been involved in the incidents. The Portland Police Department has not released the name of the officer who pursued Murphy.
The incident is still under investigation. The department has asked anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has information about the event to come forward. The local community has expressed concern over the high‑speed nature of the crash and the potential danger it posed to nearby residents and businesses.
Police officials are working to determine the exact cause of the first crash and whether it was related to driver impairment or mechanical failure. Meanwhile, the city’s traffic authorities have urged drivers to remain cautious on Deering Avenue and Portland Square, especially during evening hours when visibility is reduced.
The Portland Police Department remains the primary source of updates on the investigation. Residents are encouraged to monitor local news outlets for further developments.
