Rhode Island Man Captured After Eluding Police in Island Falls

A 20-year-old Rhode Island man is behind bars after attempting to elude police in the Southern Aroostook County town of Island Falls on Tuesday morning.

According to State Police, Trooper Lilley responded to a report of a male subject that had been seen inside an abandoned house on Sewell Street in Island Falls.  While conducting the investigation, 20-year-old Jean Rodriguez was identified as a suspect in the incident.

Trooper Lilley had detained Rodriguez while continuing to talk to witnesses.  Rodriguez was able to escape custody and flee into the woods on foot and a subsequent air and ground search of the area was undertaken for Rodriguez.

At approximately 2 p.m., Trooper Lilley located Rodriguez walking on Davis Street in Island Falls and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Rodriguez was arrested for criminal trespass, escape, theft and failure to provide correct name and transported to the Aroostook County Jail.

The investigation into the entry into the abandoned house continues with further charges possible.

The Maine State Police would like to thank the Island Falls community with their assistance and tips provided to the Maine State Police in this incident.  In addition to other Troopers, Tr. Lilley was assisted by the Aroostook S.O, Maine Warden Service and Maine Forestry Service.