Maine Man Crashes Car Into Amish Carriage Full Of Kids, While Fleeing From Cops

A man from Easton crashed into an Amish wagon full of children while trying to evade the authorities in Aroostook County Tuesday morning.

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According to WGME-TV, 34-year-old Anthony Vangel was supposed to turn himself in to authorities, as he'd be charged with multiple crimes including burglary and aggravated trafficking with a firearm. Police in Aroostook County, who had been trying to catch up with him so they could take him into custody, discovered him in the parking lot of a mall in Presque Isle, at about 7:30 Tuesday morning. When they tried to engage with him, he drove off in his car and things went very wrong, very quickly.

"Police say they followed him, but the chase was called off on Fort Road due to speeds reaching 90 MPH. Shortly after, police say Vangel lost control of his vehicle and hit a horse-drawn Amish wagon that was carrying six children. According to police, no one was hurt in the crash, including the horse."

In addition to the original charges, Vangel now faces several additional charges such as operating a vehicle after suspension, driving to endanger, criminal speed and operating under the influence.

He was arrested and taken to the Aroostook County jail.

This is not Vangel's first run-in with the law. According to the Presque Isle Police Department's Facebook Page, in June of 2024, he was identified as a passenger in a vehicle involved in a drug bust in town.

"While speaking with the driver, the male passenger raised suspicion by avoiding eye contact and reclining his seat to hide his face. The passenger was identified as 34-year-old Anthony Vangel. Officers knew Vangel had 17 active warrants, leading to his immediate arrest."