Anthony Yates
An assistant principal was fatally injured after he fled from cops following a traffic stop. Authorities believe alcohol was a contributing factor to his behavior.
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What happened: The Maine State Police (MSP) posted a news release about the incident, which occurred on September 13 at around 9:30 PM. Authorities say they received multiple 911 calls about a driver operating a vehicle erratically on I-295 Southbound.
- Troopers closed in on the vehicle, a 2021 gray Jeep Wrangler, and initiated a traffic stop. They identified the driver as 34-year-old Jacob Brown from Scarborough. Multiple sources, including NBC Boston, reveal that Brown was an assistant principal at Scarborough High School.
- The news release explains that Brown “suddenly fled at a high rate of speed.” Officers gave chase and activated their emergency lights and sirens. Authorities say that as they started to catch up, they saw the Jeep veer off the right side of the road. The vehicle crashed into the woods near the road and burst into flames.
The Assistant Principal Was Not Wearing A Seat Belt
Ejected from the vehicle: The MSP post notes that Brown was not wearing a seat belt when he veered off the road. He was “ejected” from the car during the crash.
- Officers pulled Brown from the fiery wreckage and attempted to render aid, but authorities pronounced him dead shortly after. “Preliminary investigation indicates that speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash,” the news release reads. Authorities say the incident remains under investigation.
- Per NBC Boston, School Superintendent Diane Nadeau addressed the situation in a letter to families on Sunday. She reportedly called him “a beloved member of our school community, whose care and commitment touched the lives of many students, staff, and families.”
- On September 14, Scarborough High School posted an amended timetable for students, noting the establishment would not run an academic day on Monday. The school opened late for any students who wished to attend, and scheduled buses to take kids home early. The school also arranged counselors to help grieving students. “Thank you for keeping Mr. Brown’s family and our school community in your thoughts,” the post concludes.
