Casco Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase With Fentanyl and Cocaine

Suspect Ryan Benoit allegedly fled police at over 100 mph while transporting large amounts of drugs

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 35-year-old Casco man named Ryan Benoit was arrested on Valentine's Day after allegedly fleeing from police at over 100 mph while transporting over 900 grams of cocaine, 120 grams of cocaine base, and 282 grams of fentanyl. Benoit crashed his vehicle and then fled on foot before being apprehended by a K9 unit.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in Maine and the dangerous lengths some individuals will go to in order to traffic large quantities of deadly drugs like fentanyl. The high-speed chase and crash also endangered public safety in the local community.

The details

According to authorities, Kennebec County Sheriff's Deputy Elijah Curtis first attempted to stop Benoit's 2006 BMW on Water Street in Hallowell around 1 a.m. on February 14th. Instead of pulling over, Benoit allegedly sped away, reaching speeds over 105 mph. He crashed his vehicle near Shady Lane but then fled on foot before being apprehended with the help of a Maine State Police K9 unit. Police later found a backpack near the crash site containing the large amounts of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl.

  • The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on February 14, 2026 in Hallowell, Maine.
  • Benoit was arrested and charged later that same day.

The players

Ryan Benoit

A 35-year-old man from Casco, Maine who was arrested for allegedly fleeing from police at high speeds while transporting large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl.

Kennebec County Sheriff's Deputy Elijah Curtis

The law enforcement officer who initially attempted to stop Benoit's vehicle and initiated the high-speed chase.

Maine State Police

Provided a K9 unit that assisted in locating and apprehending Benoit after he fled on foot following the vehicle crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Benoit is being held on $60,000 bail and faces numerous charges including eluding an officer, drug trafficking, and weapons violations. He will appear in court in the coming weeks to answer to the charges.

The takeaway

This high-speed chase and drug bust underscores the need for continued law enforcement efforts to combat the flow of illicit narcotics like fentanyl into Maine communities, which have devastated many families and claimed countless lives in the ongoing opioid epidemic.