CAPE ELIZABETH — A South Portland man was indicted by a Cumberland County grand jury following his September arrest involving a car chase in Cape Elizabeth.

Richard Byrnes, 44, of Rollins Way, South Portland, was indicted Nov. 15 on Class C charges of aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation and eluding an officer, a Class D charge of reckless conduct, and Class E charges of refusing to submit to arrest, improper plates, driving to endanger, and criminal speed.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt; it is a finding that enough evidence exists to prosecute.

Byrnes was arrested at his home Sept. 6 by Cape Elizabeth Police Officer Ben Davis following a Sept. 5 car chase from Fort Williams Park to South Portland. 

The chase began when Davis attempted to pull Byrnes over for a motor vehicle violation. Byrnes allegedly sped away and, once in South Portland, began driving down side streets in an attempt to lose the officer. According to the Cape Elizabeth Police Department, Davis stopped pursuing Byrnes because the chase posed a public safety threat.

Police on Sept. 6 posted a photo on Facebook of the car Byrnes was driving and asked the public for help identifying the driver. They said they quickly received a couple of tips that led to Byrnes and his arrest.

Kate Gardner can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or kgardner@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @katevgardner.

Byrnes