A 44-year-old Bowdoinham man who failed to stop for a speeding violation and led them on a high speed chase Sunday morning is now in custody.

Troopers say they tried to stop a red 2024 Nissan Altima entering I-295 northbound in Topsham at a high rate of speed, but the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated.

They say the vehicle exited the interstate in Bowdoinham and continued at a high rate of speed onto Post Road, then Center Road, Cemetery Road, and finally Ridge Road continuing to travel at a high rate of speed.

Troopers ended the chase because of the residential setting and public safety concerns after a pursuit of approximately 2.5 miles.

They say they were notified a short time later by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office that Topsham Police had received a report of a domestic violence incident involving the same vehicle.

Maine State Police ended the chase for safety reasons and then learned from Sagadahoc County deputies that Joseph Cloutier had assaulted a woman in his car before fleeing in Topsham.

Officers say a witness reported observing the male driver assault a female passenger and force her back into the vehicle in the Hannaford parking lot in Topsham before fleeing the area.

The vehicle was later located at a residence on Carding Machine Road in Bowdoinham. Troopers say Sagadahoc Deputies attempted to confront the male driver, identified as Joseph Cloutier of Bowdoinham, when he fled on foot into a wooded area.

They say the female victim was located and is safe.

Emergency management officials said Cloutier had been taken into custody Monday morning.

He faces charges including domestic violence, criminal speed, and failure to stop.