Central Maine Man Arrested On Drug Charges Following Car Chase

According to a press release from the Maine Department of Public Safety's Shannon Moss, a 24-year-old man from Vassalboro is facing some serious charges after an eight month long drug investigation.

The press release explains that, for about the past eight months, agents have been quietly working a suspected drug trafficking case tied to a home on Webber Pond Road in Vassalboro, Maine.

On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, investigators got word that Edwin Lawrence was headed back into Maine with a large amount of illegal drugs. A search warrant was issued for Lawrence and his vehicle, to be served once he crossed back into the state.

Around 8:00 that night, agents and the Maine State Police spotted Lawrence’s vehicle traveling north on I-295. Troopers tried to pull him over just north of the West Gardiner tolls. Instead of stopping, police say Lawrence took off.

After a short pursuit, troopers used tire deflation devices to disable the vehicle. Lawrence then ran from the car but was quickly caught with help from a State Police K-9.

A search of Lawrence and the vehicle turned up more than 2,000 grams of cocaine and just over $1,000 in suspected drug money.  The estimated street value of the cocaine is about $127,000.

Once that was complete, agents obtained another warrant for Lawrence’s residence at 44 Webber Pond Road. Agents, the Maine State Police, and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office searched the home, but no additional evidence was found there.

Lawrence was charged with Aggravated Trafficking of Schedule W Drugs (Class A), Eluding a Police Officer (Class C), and Refusing to Submit to Arrest or Detention (Class D). Bail was set at $92,000, and he is currently being held at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility awaiting his first court appearance.

Investigators say the case is still active and more arrests are expected.

*NOTE - All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law