Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Maine man suspected in the homicide of a woman in Bangor was arraigned on Friday in Central Berkshire District Court on multiple charges following a high-speed police chase that ended in Pittsfield. The defendant, Richard Keith Thorpe, 42, of Maine, is accused of negligent operation, failing to stop for police, resisting arrest, and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

Thorpe led Pittsfield police on a chase through West Pittsfield before crashing into an unmarked police cruiser, authorities said. He was taken into custody and arraigned before Judge Gioscia, who ordered Thorpe held without bail.

Thorpe is also a suspect in the death of Virginia Cookson, who was found dead in a Bangor, Maine, residence on September 25. Investigators are working with the Maine State Police on the case.

“The Pittsfield Police Officers involved in this morning’s high-speed chase truly put their lives on the line to apprehend a dangerous criminal,” Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. “I am thankful for their courage.”

Shugrue also confirmed that his office has been in communication with Maine authorities to ensure Thorpe will face charges related to Cookson’s murder. Thorpe waived extradition and is scheduled to be transported back to Maine on Saturday.

Authorities have not yet provided further details regarding the homicide investigation in Maine.

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