August 2020

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 1

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 1

# of DV Arrests – 3

07-27-20

Sergeant Timothy Varney summonsed Darryl Ogden (49) of Hancock for Operating After Suspension as the result of a traffic stop on Rt 1A in Ellsworth.

Trooper Dana Austin stopped a motor vehicle for a traffic violation in Ellsworth, as a result of the traffic stop, Steven Bailey (61) of Ellsworth was summonsed for Operating after Habitual Offender Revocation.

Trooper Dana Austin stopped a motor vehicle for a traffic violation in Hancock, as a result of the investigation, James Leach (32) of Blue Hill was summonsed for Operating after Habitual Offender Revocation.

07-28-20

Trooper Dana Austin stopped a motor vehicle for a traffic violation in Ellsworth, as a result of the investigation, Timothy Allen (32) of Guildford was summonsed for Violation of Conditional Release and Possession of Hypodermic Apparatuses. Trooper Austin was assisted by Sergeant Jason Sattler and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

07-29-20

Trooper Caleb McGary responded to a phone harassment complaint in Dedham where obscene voicemail was left on a message machine.  As a result of the investigation Charles Adams (53) of Holden was summonsed for phone harassment.

Trooper Owen Reed responded to a criminal mischief complaint in Stonington where damage was done to town property.  Investigation continues.

Trooper Dana Austin stopped a motor vehicle for a traffic violation in Ellsworth, as a result of the investigation, Charles Skovgarrd (72) of Surry was arrested for Operating under the Influence. Trooper Austin was assisted by the Ellsworth police Department.

08-01-20

Trooper Caleb McGary responded to Osborn for a report of a vehicle that had crashed.  As a result of the investigation James Sweeney (36) of Aurora, and Matthew Unger (26) of Starks were both summonsed for leaving the scene of a crash.

Trooper Caleb McGary summonsed Steven Welsch (65) of Robbinston, for Criminal Speed after a traffic stop in Amherst.  86 in a 55 zone.

Trooper Owen Reed responded to Hancock for a report that a man was going into buildings and vehicles without permission.  As a result of the investigation David Mraz (43) of Hancock, was arrested for Criminal Trespass.  Corporal Chris Smith and his K-9, Hancock Sheriff Office and Marine Patrol assisted.

08-02-20

Sergeant Jeff Ingemi arrested James Lewis (41) of Charlotte, for Operating Under the Influence of Drugs after responding to a crash in Charlotte.  Washington Sheriff Office and Baileyville Police Department assisted.

 

 

Incident Type:         OUI - DRUGS

Date:                          7/29/2020

Town:                        sherman

Trooper:                   Tr. Castonguay

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay was investigated a suspicious incident where a vehicle stopped in a random driveway and the driver was slumped over the steering wheel.  Tr. Castonguay located the described vehicle and spoke with the driver.  Field Sobriety Testing was completed, and the man was arrested for OUI.  A DRE was later called resulting in the man being arrested for OUI drugs.  The man was able to post bail and was released.

 

Incident Type:         OAS - infraction

Date:                          8/01/2020

Town:                        mount chase

Trooper:                   Tr. Castonguay

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay was conducting traffic enforcement in Mount Chase and stopped a vehicle for speeding.  It was discovered the man had a suspended driver’s license in New Hampshire and was visiting Maine.  Tr. Castonguay issued the man a summons for the violation and helped him arrange transportation.

 

 

Incident Type:         theft

Date:                          7/31/2020

Town:                        Blaine

Trooper:                   Tr. rider

Brief Synopsis: Tr. Rider received a report of a theft that had occurred at a farm stand in Blaine.  Tr. Rider talked with the owners of the farm stand who had security camera photos of the suspect taking cash out of the cash box and a plate number of the vehicle.  Owners were missing approximately $250 dollars.  Owners also found a butter knife with double sided tape on the end inside of the cash box.  This was most likely used to retrieve bills out of the cash box.  Tr. Rider responded to the suspects residence and he admitted to taking $42 out of the cash box  and suspect was summonsed for theft. 

Incident Type:         theft

Date:                          7/27/2020

Town:                        Bridgwater

Trooper:                   Tr. Rider

Brief Synopsis: Tr. Bell investigated a theft of a bulldozer from Bridgewater.  On 7/28, Tr. Bell was downstate and received a tip from the victim that the suspect was trying to return the bulldozer and was southbound from Presque Isle.  Tr. Rider responded to the area and eventually found the male suspect stuck in his truck while towing the stolen bulldozer off a rural road in Bridgewater as he tried to avoid the Trooper.  The male was arrested and charged with felony theft and was later charged with criminal mischief for damage done to the bulldozer.

Incident Type:         Recover Stolen MV

Date:                          7/27/2020

Town:                        island Falls

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton received some information from Troopers in Troop E that a stolen dirt bike stemming from a case they were working on might be at a location in Island Falls. Tr. Cotton went to the address for a knock and talk and ultimately a female who lived at the address allowed Tr. Cotton to walk out behind the trailer with her so she could show him a dirt bike that was there. Tr. Cotton determined that the bike she showed him was not the bike that was stolen but Tr. Cotton noticed another bike on the property that looked like the one that was stolen. Ultimately, Tr. Cotton determined that it matched the description of the stolen MC and had fresh paint all over the plastics, frame, bars and levers to try and camouflage it. Tr. Cotton also noticed the spot on the frame where the vin is located was ground off and freshly painted as well. The dirt bike was seized, a suspect has been developed and the investigation is on-going.

Incident Type:         OAS / Open Container

Date:                          7/28/2020

Town:                        Smyrna

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis: Tr. Cotton was patrolling Route 2 in Smyrna when he observed a female subject whom he had charged with OAS and OUI the previous week driving a green car that had no plates. Tr. Cotton turned on the vehicle and the car sped up and turned onto a side road. Tr. Cotton was able to locate the vehicle which was occupied by three individuals parked in a driveway. Ultimately, the driver confessed and knew she did not have a license. Tr. Cotton also located an open container of Alcohol in the center console. Tr. Cotton issued summonses for the open container and OAS.

 

Incident Type:         OAS

Date:                          7/29/2020

Town:                        Houlton

Trooper:                   Tr. Mahon

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Mahon was driving in Houlton when he recognized a local man drive by him who he recognized.  He recognized the man as someone he had charged in May of this year for Operating Without a License.  A DMV check confirmed that the man still did not have a license and was charged once again by Tr. Mahon.  He is now facing a second court date in Houlton District Court for the same charge.

 

 

Incident Type:         burglary

Date:                          7/29/2020

Town:                        Smyrna

Trooper:                   Tr. Saucier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr Saucier responded to a local business when it was reported that recently someone had broken into the store and stolen cash and some merchandise from the as well.  The investigation is ongoing.

On 07/27/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Shawn Frank (58) of Westbrook on the ME Turnpike northbound in Portland.  He was charged with Criminal Speed for traveling more than 30 MPH over the posted work zone speed limit.

On 07/28/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Joseph Provencher (28) of Sabattus on the ME Turnpike at Exit 75 in Auburn.  He was charged with Operating after Revocation – Habitual Offender.

On 07/28/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Henry Williams Sr. (50) of Jay on the ME Turnpike at Exit 75 in Auburn.  He was charged with Operating after Revocation – Habitual Offender, Operating with a Suspended Registration, and Violation of Conditions of Release.

On 07/28/2020, at approximately 2328 hours, Tr. LiBritz responded to the southbound service plaza in Kennebunk for a report of an elderly male who appeared confused and thought his car had been stolen. Tr. LiBritz made contact with the 80-year-old male from CT inside the plaza. The male stated he drove up to Maine to meet with his cousin, who lived in Kennebunk. He advised he was going to meet his cousin at the plaza, but his phone died and the charger wasn’t working inside the plaza.  He stated his cousin’s address and phone number were on his phone so he had no way of reaching him. He stated he went out to his car to drive home but it was stolen. It was determined his vehicle was parked on the back side of the plaza and he didn’t realize there were two parking lots. Tr. LiBritz was able to charge his phone inside her cruiser, and Kennebunk Police Department located a phone number and address for his cousin. Officer Hendrick transported the male to his cousin’s house, and they made arrangements to pick up the vehicle in the morning.

On 07/29/2020, Sgt. Pappas arrested Ryan Caron of Lewiston for aggravated trafficking and violation of bail after finding him in the company of his DV victim in addition to being in possession of 48 grams of fentanyl. Troopers Paradis and James assisted.

On 07/29/2020, the Augusta RCC received multiple calls on a black Dodge Charger south on I-295 driving aggressively and at a high rate of speed. The Charger entered the turnpike south and the RCC was still taking multiple calls on the vehicle’s operation. Tr. MacKinnon was able to locate the vehicle at MM 10 in York and observed the vehicle using all three lanes, making unsafe passes at a high rate of speed. Tr. MacKinnon was able to stop the vehicle in Kittery. The driver, Nicholas Marconi (21) of North Andover, MA, was summonsed for multiple traffic violations.

On 07/30/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Arnold Harmon (52) of North Waterboro on the ME Turnpike northbound in Saco.  He was charged with Operating after Suspension.

On 07/30/2020, Cpl. Duda responded to a report of a suspicious male at the southbound Kennebunk service plaza. The male was reported to be shirtless and screaming in the parking lot. Cpl. Duda located the male, Robert Crowley (60) of South Hamilton, MA, inside the building. Cpl. Duda found the subject now acting normally. He said he was upset because his shirt was wet. Cpl. Duda did discover that Crowley had a suspended license and was on conditions of release. A search revealed Crowley was in possession of a small amount of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Cpl. Duda charged Crowley with VCR and OAS.

On 07/31/2020, Sgt. Pappas arrested Alicia Beck for aggravated trafficking after finding her in possession of 38 grams of cocaine. Cpl. Duda assisted.

On 08/01/2020, Cpl. Physic summonsed Allen Bryant for Criminal Speed for going 84 MPH in a 50 MPH construction zone.

On 08/01/2020, Sgt. Doughty stopped Colby Clattenburg (18) of Lynnfield, MA for criminal speed, 109 MPH in a 70 MPH zone, in Gray.

On 08/02/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Korissa Dumond (27) of Union on the ME Turnpike northbound in Lewiston.  She was charged with Operating after Suspension.

On 08/02/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Crystal Howes (38) of Lewiston on the ME Turnpike northbound in Auburn.  She was charged with Operating with a Suspended Registration.

Sgt. Doughty summonsed three drivers for using handheld electronic devices.

A Belmont man was killed after his vehicle crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming dump truck.

On Aug. 5, 2020, at approximately 7:48 a.m., Maine State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash on route 3 in Morrill.  The investigation revealed that Nicholas Day, 34, from Belmont, was traveling west on route 3 and crossed the center line into an oncoming loaded dump truck.  Day was determined to be deceased on scene.  

The operator of the dump truck was a Eugene Hyde, 31,   from Wilton, owned and operated by C.H Stevenson out of Wayne Maine.  The investigation is still on going, speed and alcohol did not appear to be a factor.   

Route 3 was shut down for 8hrs.  Local fire departments assisted with traffic being rerouted.    
 

Police responded to T 17 R 3 where a pilot made an emergency landing in a clearing.

On August 5, 2020, at approximately 12:52 PM, the Houlton RCC received a 911 call from Leigh Smith, 35, of Presque Isle reporting he made an emergency landing with his airplane.  

Cpl. Chuck Michaud responded to the scene in T 17 R3 off the Sullivan Rd. along with Maine Game Warden Ryan Fitzpatrick and multiple other first responders.  

Officials learned that Smith was receiving flight instruction from Cody Anderson, 26, of Levant when the engine failed, and they were forced to make an emergency landing.  The plane came to rest in a clear cut and had front end and wing damage.  Both men were transported to Fort Kent Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  

The incident remains under investigation by the Portland office of the FAA and Northeast office of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). 

(EDIT: The names of the flight instructor and student were mixed up in earlier versions of this release. Edited 8/5/2020 at 17:17)
 

We have updated information on the whereabouts of the missing juvenile and appreciate all of the public’s help. 

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 1

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 1

08-03-20

Trooper Blaine Silk responded to a road rage incident in Cherryfield. Two vehicles were involved in the altercation. As a result of the investigation, Jonathan Sprague (23) of Milbridge was charged with Operating After License Suspension.

08-07-20

A 2006 GMC Envoy operated by John Dinsmore (32) of Machias was travelling south on Rt. 192 in Northfield.  Dinsmore failed to negotiate a left-hand corner, went off the roadway and rolled over.  Dinsmore was ejected from the vehicle and the vehicle landed on top of him.  He was the lone occupant and was not wearing a seat belt.  Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash.  Trooper Kim Sawyer is the primary investigator and was assisted by Washington Sheriff Office, Machias Police Department, Maine Warden Service and Maine Forest Service.  The crash remains under investigation.

08-09-20

Trooper Dana Austin stopped a motor vehicle for travelling 107 miles per hour in a posted 45 miles per hour zone on Route 1A in Holden. As a result of investigation Asad Satter (29) of Bangor was arrested for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol and Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit by 30 miles per hour or more.

On 08/04/2020, Cpl. Physic summonsed Adam Lussier for criminal speed for going 87 MPH in a 50 MPH construction zone. 

On 08/05/2020, Sgt. Pappas arrested Robert and Amy Roche of Arundel for aggravated trafficking after finding them in possession of 68 grams of fentanyl.  Troopers Wilkinson and Williams assisted.

On 08/05/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped a female operator on the ME Turnpike northbound in New Gloucester.  Her registration was found to be Suspended for Tolls and the vehicle was towed.  She was not charged with a crime and will be following up with BMV and MTA to rectify the issues.

On 08/07/2020, Cpl. Duda attempted to conduct a traffic stop for a speeding vehicle in the construction zone near mile marker 10 northbound. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was terminated when Tr. Welch deployed a spike mat at mile 26.5. The vehicle pulled over and the driver fled into the woods. The passenger, Stephen Tracy (40), surrendered and was placed under arrest without incident. York PD Officer John Rogers arrived with his K9 and began a track. Cpl. Duda assisted Ofc. Rogers on the track. The operator, Shawn Adams (42), was located ¾ of a mile into the woods near a river bank. Located inside the trunk were 86 grams of fentanyl, 22.5 Xanax pills, 11 grams of suspected cocaine, and 2 grams of suspected crystal meth. Adams was also on bail conditions and had a suspended license. He was placed under arrest and charged accordingly.

On 08/07/2020, while working a Troop A detail, Tr. Darcy arrested Ronald Angell (38) of Farmington on two active warrants as the result of a traffic stop on Route 202 in Lebanon.

On 08/08/2020, Tr. Keim stopped Sara Young (24) of Lewiston for speeding.  Young was stopped for 94 MPH in a posted 50 MPH construction speed zone.  

On 08/08/2020, Tr. Keim stopped Raschel O’Brien of Bellingham MA for speeding.  O’Brien was stopped for 81 MPH in a posted 50 MPH construction speed zone.

On 08/08/2020, Tr. Keim stopped Emma Astbury of Portland for speeding and following too close. Astbury was stopped for 82 MPH in a posted 50 MPH construction zone.  She was also following a construction pickup at 55-60 MPH well less than a car length for a ½ mile or more.

On 08/08/2020, Tr. Keim stopped Javon Walker (27) of Fort Lauderdale FL, for speeding.  Walker was stopped for 91 MPH in a posted 70 MPH zone.  After checking Walker’s license, Tr. Keim obtained information that Walker was suspended for failing to pay fines.  Walker was summonsed for speeding and operating after suspension.

On 08/08/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Randall Labarre (39) of Milford, NH on the ME Turnpike northbound in Portland.  He was charged with Criminal Speed for traveling more than 30 MPH over the posted work zone speed limit.

On 08/08/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Valter Correia (37) of Brockton, MA on the ME Turnpike northbound in Portland.  He was charged with Criminal Speed for traveling more than 30 MPH over the posted work zone speed limit.

On 08/08/2020, Troopers Darcy and Parks assisted Troop A & the Buxton Police Department with a manhunt for an armed robbery suspect in Buxton. The suspect was not located, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 08/08/2020, after an all day and night investigation by Troopers from the swing shift, evening shift, and midnight shift, Troop G personnel succeeded in locating and taking into interim care a 17-year-old autistic runaway from Pennsylvania. Sgt. Porter worked on the case all day and evening in cooperation with Pennsylvania State Police. The young man was eventually located and taken into care just off the turnpike in Falmouth at 2208 hours by Tr. Wilkinson, who cared for him at the scene until Cpl. Physic transported him to the Troop G barracks. He had been eluding troopers and Falmouth Police Officers. Cpl. Cote, Cpl. Physic, Tr. LiBritz, Tr. Parks, and Sgt. Doughty were also involved in the conclusion of the case as the young man’s location was narrowed down. Cpl. Physic eventually transported the young man to a facility in Lewiston that cares for runaway and homeless teens. Cpl. Physic cared for the teen and counseled him while waiting for the arrangements to be made for him in consultation with his mother and DHHS. Tr. Wilkinson funded the purchase of food and drinks for the young man before he was taken to the barracks. The young man’s mother drove up from Pennsylvania and took him home.  

On 08/09/2020, Cpl. Cote stopped Phonraphat Chaiwong (33) of Portland on the ME Turnpike northbound in Portland.  He was charged with Criminal Speed for traveling more than 30 MPH over the posted work zone speed limit.

On 08/08/2020, Tr. Kristy LiBritz completed her first triathlon with Tri for a Cure.  Tr. LiBritz raised money to support the Maine Cancer Foundation and the events included 1/3-mile swim, 15.5-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. 

Two Standish men are facing charges after failing to stop for police, with one fleeing into the woods prior to arrest.

On Aug. 7, 2020, Cpl. Jesse Duda attempted to conduct a traffic stop for a speeding vehicle in the construction zone near mile marker 10 northbound. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was terminated when Tr. Welch covertly deployed a spike mat at mile 26.5.

The vehicle pulled over and the driver fled into the woods. The passenger, Stephen Tracy, 40, surrendered and was placed under arrest without incident. York PD officer John Rogers arrived with his K9 and began a track.

Cpl. Duda assisted Ofc. Rogers on the track. The operator, Shawn Adams, 42, was located ¾ of a mile into the woods near a river bank.

Located inside the trunk of the vehicle was 86 grams of fentanyl, 22.5 xanax pills, 11 grams of suspected cocaine, and 2 grams of suspected crystal meth. Adams was also on bail conditions and had a suspended license.

Adams and Tracy were both charged with Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs. Adams was also charged with Eluding an Officer, Criminal Speed and Violations of Conditions of Release.

Two people have died in a crash in Island Falls.

On August 10, 2020, at approximately 3:30 PM, the Houlton RCC received a 911 call from a passing motorist reporting a car off the road with people trapped.  Trooper Tim Saucier responded and learned the following from his subsequent investigation.  35 year old Colleen Collins was driving North on the interstate in Island Falls in a full size sport utility vehicle.  Also in the vehicle was 62 year old Mary Michaud and her son 42 year old Keith Michaud both of Van Buren.  Collins lost control of the SUV and traveled off into the ditch coming to rest in the trees before catching fire.  Colleen Collins and Mary Michaud did not survive the crash and were pronounced deceased at the scene.  Keith was transported to the Houlton Regional Hospital with non life threatening injuries.  

Due to the extent of the damage the make and model of the vehicle is still undetermined as well as if the occupants were wearing their seat belts.  

Also assisting at the scene were Tr. Steve Mahon, Sgt. Josh Haines, Lt. Brian Harris, Maine Forest Service, Island Falls Fire and Island Falls Ambulance.