Dover man tased, arrested after trying to flee Cumby's while impaired

Colby Pidgeon (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Dover man police say was passed out in his vehicle at the Knight Street Cumby's early Thursday morning tried to drive away when he was awakened and had to be Tased when he resisted an officer's attempts to remove his car keys.
The incident unfolded around 1:35 a.m. as Rochester Police Officers responded to the Cumberland Farms for a report of a suspicious vehicle with the driver sleeping inside.
When officers arrived they were told the driver had been asked many times to leave but did not.
"When officers attempted to speak with the driver, he appeared passed out and unresponsive in the driver's seat," Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said today.
While officers were checking his condition, the driver woke up and put the car in gear, Pinkham said.
"Officers told him to stop and to put the vehicle in park numerous times, but he backed the vehicle up a short distance before stopping as he attempted to put the vehicle in drive," Pinkham added. "He was told to put the vehicle in park and to turn the vehicle off, however he began to drive off."
Due to the driver's unknown mental state and possible inability to operate the vehicle while being so close to gas pumps and existing vehicle and foot traffic, the officer tried to put the vehicle in park and remove the keys.
Pinkham said when the driver resisted the officer's attempts he used his Taser and the man was taken into custody.
Colby Pidgeon, 24, of Dover, was arrested and charged with:
• Possession of Controlled Drugs - subsequent offense
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Controlled Drugs with Intent to Distribute
• DUI
• Disobeying an Officer
• Resist Arrest/Detention
• Reckless Conduct - Deadly Weapon
• Reckless Operation
• Criminal Trespass
• Simple Assault
• Transporting Drugs in Motor Vehicle
Pidgeon was transported to Strafford County Jail and was arraigned later Thursday at the Strafford Superior Court. He is currently being held on no bail at Strafford County Jail.