Masardis man surrenders to police

    MASARDIS, Maine – A local man faces a number of charges following an incident Tuesday, May 22, in this small community.
Travis Lyons, 23, of Masardis, was reportedly pulled over for speeding while driving a 1996 Ford truck on Route 11 in Masardis on Tuesday at approximately 9:30 p.m. by Lt. Darrell Crandall of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department.
    According to Sgt. Forrest Dudley, of the Sheriff’s Department, Lyons was out on bail for reckless conduct following an incident April 3 in Ashland. Bail conditions required Lyons to submit to a search of his vehicle for the presence of drugs and alcohol, Dudley indicated.
When informed at the stop about the conditions, Lyons refused to allow the officer to check his vehicle and sped away.
A chase ensued for several miles, at high speeds at times, along Route 11 but Crandall eventually suspended the pursuit due to safety issues.
Officials later located Lyons’ truck at his family’s home in Masardis, also located on Route 11.
Attempts by phone to get Lyons to surrender were unsuccessful. Lyons’ father, who was at home at the time, informed police that his son had armed himself with a shotgun.
Several deputies from the Sheriff’s Department were joined by members of the Maine State Police at the scene. Officers Matt Cummings, Chris Hayes and Billy Russo from the Ashland Police Department also responded when called to assist.
Contact continued until 2 a.m. when Lyons agreed to drop his weapon and exit the house. Lyons then surrendered to waiting authorities.
Lyons was charged with violation of condition of release and eluding a police officer.
Lyons’ first court appearance was scheduled for May 23. No additional information on the case was available at presstime.