A Harpswell man faces multiple charges after authorities investigated a report of a gun being fired in the air in Damariscotta, then a motor vehicle crash in Nobleboro.

On Thursday Dec. 3, at 8:30 p.m., Lincoln County Communications Center received a report of shots fired on Center Street in Damariscotta.  A Damariscotta police officer and a Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy responded.

While they were investigating, the Communications Center received a complaint of a traffic crash on Center Street in Nobleboro.  While the deputy was responding to investigate the crash, another report was received, alleging that the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash had fired a weapon into the air.  

When the deputy and Damariscotta officer arrived at the scene of the crash, the driver had fled.  Another deputy located the driver, later identified as Christopher Mackenzie, 40, of Harpswell, walking on Center Street in Nobleboro, a short distance south of the crash scene. 

Mackenzie allegedly refused at first to cooperate with commands.  He was placed into custody with a minimal amount of force.

The initial investigation concluded and Mackenzie was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants and two counts of reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

He was taken to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset after an evaluation at a local hospital.   

Deputies were continuing their investigation; they recovered a 12-gauge shotgun and spent casings.

Damariscotta Police Officer Kyle Sylvester, who helped handle the night’s events, said the incidents had the best outcome that they could have.

Firefighters were initially called to the accident scene, but were then told not to come, due to safety concerns when police had not yet found the person allegedly involved in the gun-firing, Sylvester said in a telephone interview Dec. 3.

Mackenzie remained at Two Bridges on Monday in lieu of $500 unsecured bail, jail staff said.