NEW SHARON — A local man is accused of driving 92 mph in a 45-mph zone while trying to outrun a Franklin County sheriff’s deputy Tuesday night, Sheriff Scott Nichols Sr. said in a release.

Benjamin Savage, 21, of Weeks Mills Road was arrested on charges of criminal speed and eluding a police officer, and a misdemeanor charge of driving to endanger. He also faces a civil violation of possession of marijuana, Nichols said.

Cpl. Nate Bean clocked a car traveling 72 mph in a 55-mph zone on Route 2 in New Sharon about 7 p.m., Nichols said. Bean turned his cruiser around to try to stop the car but the sped up, the sheriff said.

The car turned onto Weeks Mills Road and Bean followed, clocking the car at 92 mph in a 45-mph zone. The driver eventually stopped, Nichols said.

Savage told Bean he tried to get away because he was scared, but a man and woman in the car told him to stop, Nichols said.

Savage was being held on $250 cash bail Wednesday morning at the Franklin County jail in Farmington.

dperry@sunjournal.com