April 2020

State Police have received recent reports of motorists with out of states plates being confronted and harassed, and advise Maine residents that if they have concerns about this issue to contact local or State Police. Some of these vehicles are likely to be operated by people who are working here in the state. Central Maine Power (CMP) has instituted "one-employee, one-vehicle" policy to ensure crews are maintaining appropriate social distancing at work. This new policy has required CMP to rent a number of pick-up trucks, all with CMP signage, and some of those vehicles have out of state license plates. There have been reports of CMP employees verbally accosted about why they have out of state plates on their vehicles, even though there are CMP logos on them. All utility workers are considered essential. 

There are many reasons for people to have out of state plates on their vehicles, such as temporary essential workers, car rentals, and traveling nurses.While we appreciate this is a time of high anxiety, confronting those with non-Maine license plates is unacceptable and residents with concerns should contact Maine law enforcement. Please exercise restraint and common sense during this time of tension. We want everyone to stay safe and stay healthy. 

04/02/2020

We are experiencing a life-threatening, unprecedented health crisis in our state and country and the actions that we take today will determine the severity of this pandemic.  As a society we all need to work together to get through this challenging time.  Without significant changes in our social interactions and travel habits, we can anticipate things will get worse before they get better, particularly for those persons in high-risk groups such as the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.  The steps and guidelines outlined in the Governor’s Executive Order are an attempt to minimize the destruction that the Corona Virus (COVID-19) will leave in its path.  We all know that things are going to get worse before they get better, but they WILL GET BETTER!  If we fail to heed the cautions of experts and do not take the proper safeguards, the devastation from this disease will extend deeper and wider than if we manage to slow the spread by staying at home.  We can’t stop this virus yet, but we can slow it down to a manageable rate thereby saving dozens if not hundreds of lives right here in Maine.  One of those lives could be your own, or that of a loved one.   

The Maine State Police is asking for voluntary compliance with this Executive Order by staying at home unless you have an essential need to go out.  There are several allowable reasons to leave your home such as; going to get groceries or take-out from a restaurant, getting needed supplies at a hardware store or pharmacy for yourself or others, going to a doctor’s appointment, etc.  Those who are employed by essential businesses can still travel for work.  You may also go out for a hike or go for a walk to get some fresh air while maintaining proper physical distancing.

Our Troopers will be visible on normal patrol and will be responding to emergency calls for service just like we would at any other time.  We will assume that people we encounter are following the orders and have an essential need for travel.  We will smile and wave as we see them out walking to get some fresh air.  In order to maintain order and public safety during this State of Civil Emergency we will continue to respond to complaints and investigate crime, enforcing all laws to include the Governor’s Executive Order.  Our Troopers will exercise discretion and compassion as we always do, considering the totality of the circumstances in deciding the most reasonable and appropriate enforcement action.  With our goal being voluntary compliance, we hope and believe that communication and education regarding legal, safe practices outlined in the Executive Order will suffice.  Issuing summonses or making physical arrests would be our last course of action and reserved for only the most egregious violators. Our hope is that the public will abide by the Executive Order and not put our officers in the position of having to enforce the law. 

The Maine State Police will not be randomly stopping people simply to verify compliance.  However, there will be times when our Troopers will be in contact with members of the public during normal law enforcement operations and may ask questions to ensure compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order.

Please do your part to stay apart.  It will help flatten the curve to a level where medical heroes can safely take care of all of Maine’s citizens.  There is no better way to fight this public safety challenge.  It is the right thing for all of us to do together. 

Additional Resources that may be helpful:

The Department of Economic and Community Development has been designated as the lead for many of these interpretation questions – particularly for businesses. Their website with FAQs and an email address for questions is here.

The language in the Executive Order can be found here. 

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 1

03-29-20

Trooper Dana Austin responded to Amherst for a report of a man who was trying to gain entry into a residence. Trooper Austin arrived on scene and determined that no crime had been committed. Two individuals were issued Criminal Trespass Warnings to not return to the residence. Trooper Austin was assisted by Corporal Christopher Smith and the Hancock County Sheriffs Office.

04-02-20

Trooper Jeffrey Taylor received a theft report in Harrington of a 2013 Honda EU2000i generator that happened sometime between November 2019 and now. Investigation continues.

04-04-20

Trooper Dana Austin responded to Amherst for a report of an intoxicated male who was trespassing on a property that he did not live at. While responding to the scene, the homeowner began fighting with the intoxicated male. Trooper Austin arrived on scene and was advised by the homeowners that they just wanted the male removed from the property. Trooper Austin gave the intoxicated male a ride to his residence in Amherst. Trooper Austin was assisted by Trooper Gavin Endre.

Corporal Chris Smith investigated reported camp burglaries on Mildred Ave in Mariaville.  As a result of the investigation Peter Nadeau (41) of Mariaville was summonsed for Burglary.  Most of the stolen property was recovered.  Trooper Dana Austin assisted.

Incident Type:         property damage crash / oas

Date:                          4/03/2020

Town:                        Castle hill

Trooper:                   Tr. Mahon / tr. desrosier (FTO)

Brief Synopsis:       A woman called the State Police reporting her husband had struck a racoon the day prior and they now realize the damage to the vehicle is reportable.  Tr. Desrosier and Tr. Mahon met with the couple at their residence.  After an investigation, it was discovered the man has a suspended Maine driver’s license; he claimed he was not aware of the suspension.  He was issued a criminal summons for the violation and will appear in Presque Isle Court in the future.

Incident Type:         CRIMINAL SPEED

Date:                          4/03/2020

Town:                        cross lake

Trooper:                   Tr. Martin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Martin was driving on State Route 161, Cross Lake, when he observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed.  After confirming the vehicle to be operating at a criminal speed (81 mph in a posted 50 mph zone), Tr. Martin initiated a traffic stop.  The male driver told Tr. Martin he knew the speed limit and was going to a business in Caribou.  The man did not have any recent history on his driving record.  Tr. Martin issued the man a traffic summons for the violation in lieu of a criminal one.

Incident Type:         oas

Date:                          4/05/2020

Town:                        woodland

Trooper:                   Tr. Levesque

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Levesque observed a male operating a four-wheeler on the public way in Woodland. Trp. Levesque knew the male was suspended and he went down a dirt road and Tr. Levesque did not follow to stop him.  Later in the day Tr. Levesque received a complaint that the male was operating the ATV on the public way.  Tr. Levesque found the male standing outside a neighbor’s house with the ATV in the driveway.  Tr. Levesque summonsed the male for operating after suspension

Incident Type:         THEFT

Date:                          4/4/2020

Town:                        Hodgdon

Trooper:                   Tr. Sylvia

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Sylvia met with a Hodgdon resident after he reported that a vehicle he owned had been stolen.  The vehicle had been parked behind a neighbor’s residence while repair work was being done to it.  The person working on the vehicle reported that the vehicle had not been seen for the last couple of days.  The investigation is ongoing.

State Police say a sworn member of the department has tested positive for COVID-19. The member's duty included work at the Maine Turnpike Weigh Station in York, along the northbound lanes.  The name of the person is not being released, but he and his family are doing very well and in good spirits.  Upon receiving notice Saturday morning, the weigh station was immediately closed and has undergone a thorough cleaning by experts in the mitigation of COVID-19 and was expected to reopen by the end of today.  The CDC has conducted an investigation into who the member came in contact with, and State Police made notifications to anyone that would need to self-quarantine.  

On 03/31/2020, Tr. Physic summonsed Christian Taylor for Criminal Speed for going 125 MPH in a 70 MPH zone.

On 04/05/2020, Tr. Physic covered a car/deer crash where a driver killed four deer and the driver left with no injury.

On 04/05/2020, Tr. Black was called to the Gardiner Service Plaza for a male in a vehicle with sheets covering the windows who stated, ‘he didn’t like this life anymore’ and had a pellet gun. The subject stated he wasn’t suicidal but was going to the hospital voluntarily to talk to someone. No crime was committed.

From Sgt. Doughty (midnight shift): The midnight shifts only had two erratic operation complaints for the week. One was a car reported weaving in the lanes that entered from New Hampshire and departed in Kittery before Tr. Harakles could locate it. The other was a possible tired trucker that was reported drifting. Tr. Libritz watched for it but did not see any trucks matching the description that were drifting.

State Police say the death of an Oakland man appears to be accidental. The body of 25 year old Robert Wade was found in his apartment Tuesday night by Oakland Police. They had gone to the apartment at 3 Heath Street after a relative of Wade's had asked police to check on his well being. An autopsy was conducted today at the State Medical Examiner's Office.   Wade's car was located Wednesday afternoon at another location in Oakland.   Police are now seeking information from anyone who had contact with Wade in the past few days as they continue the investigation.  Anyone with information should call State Police in Augusta at 624-7076 or Oakland Police.

Maine State Police K9 Dallas received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Dallas’ vest was sponsored by a fundraiser hosted by the Waterville Elks Lodge #905 BPOE and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Waterville Elks Lodge #905 BPOE”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,500 U.S. made, custom fitted, NIJ certified protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $6.9 million dollars. 

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718. 

Incident Type:         distracted driving

Date:                          4/07/2020

Town:                        connor

Trooper:                   Tr. Desrosier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Desrosier was driving on US Highway 1, Connor, when an on-coming vehicle crossed the centerline nearly striking his cruiser.  Tr. Desrosier took evasive maneuvers to avoid the crash.  He stopped the operator and an investigation determined she had been using her cellular phone.  Tr. Desrosier issued the woman a summons for failing to maintain control of her motor vehicle.

Incident Type:         ASSIST OTHER AGENCY

Date:                          4/09/2020

Town:                        caribou

Trooper:                   Tr. MAhon / tr. desrosier (FTO)

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Desrosier and Tr. Mahon assisted Caribou PD with an OUI in investigation in Caribou. The PD had a vehicle stopped and Tr. Mahon assisted with the investigation on the suspected impaired driver.  The driver was arrested by the PD for suspected OUI drugs and was brought to their station.

Incident Type:         pi crash

Date:                          4/11/2020

Town:                        st francis

Trooper:                   Cpl. Hafford

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl Hafford responded to a crash in St. Francis.  A 27 yo female lost control of her SUV on a slush covered section of roadway and left the roadway, hitting the front porch of a residence.  The crash caused damage to the SUV and the house.  The driver was taken to NMMC in Fort Kent for treatment of apparent minor injuries.

Incident Type:         OUI/OAS

Date:                          4/6/2020

Town:                        Amity

Trooper:                   Tr. Sylvia

Brief Synopsis:         Timothy Burns, of Limestone, was traveling southbound on US Route 1 in Amity when he went off the roadway and into the ditch causing the vehicle to roll and end up on its roof. Burns was transported to the Houlton Regional Hospital by Houlton ambulance for non-life, threatening injuries. Tr. Sylvia’s investigation revealed that Burns was under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the crash and that his license status was suspended. Burns was charged with Operating Under the Influence and Operating While License Suspended.

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 1

04-05-20

Trooper Gavin Endre and Sergeant Jason Sattler responded to a rollover crash on the Waltham Road in Waltham. Two of the three occupants sustained nonlife threatening injuries. The vehicle owner Jacob Spindel (18) of Calais was summonsed for Failing to have Motor Vehicle Insurance.

04-06-20

Trooper Dana Austin investiagted a theft complaint in Amherst. A Echo Chainsaw, metal gas tank, and boat anchor were taking from a residence. This investigation continues.

04-07-20

Trooper Dana Austin responded to Brooklin for a well being check. Trooper Austin arrived on scene and located a subject who was having a manic episode. The subject was transported to a local hospital for an evaluation.

Trooper Dana Austin reponsed to Penobscot for an intoxicated woman who had called 911 to report she was upset with her bank. The female was also reporting her elderely father had attacked her. Trooper Austin arrived on scene and warned the female for misue of 911. No evidence was found to support any type of an assault that had occurred. A referral was made to Adult Protecctive Services.

04-08-20

Trooper Andy Foss responded to a missing person report in Franklin that had wandered off and had dementia.  The subject was found a short distance from his residence walking down the roadway by Trooper Foss.  Lieutenant Rod Charette, Sergeant Jeff Ingemi, Trooper Caleb McGary and the Maine Warden Service assisted.

04-11-20

Trooper Dana Austin responded to Waltham for a domestic violence situation involving two subjects. Trooper Austin arrived on scene and determined that no crimes had occurred. Trooper Austin was assisted by Trooper Gavin Endre.