Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident
Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident

Fugitive Wanted for Murder in Maine Captured After High Speed Chase With Mass. State Police

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1 min read
September 29, 2024

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.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

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