November 2020

On 11/11/2020, Sgt. Burton assisted Cpls. Cropper and Wells (Troop A) with an honorable escort of retired Lt. Trask’s hearse from the funeral home in Saco to the cemetery in Portland.

On 11/11/2020, Tr. Keim, Tr. Reaser, Tr. Loder, Lt. Gosselin, and Sgt. Burton assisted the Wells Police Department with a barricaded suicidal subject.  Sgt. Shorey was consulted with several times from the scene as well.

On 11/13/2020, Tr. Darcy stopped a vehicle off the Kennebunk exit after observing the vehicle failing to maintain its lane. The driver of the vehicle fled into the woods. Troopers from Troops G and A responded, as well as Kennebunk PD units. While Troopers were preparing to begin a K9 track with Cpl. Schmidt & K9 Ibo, a Kennebunk PD officer located the male hiding in the woods after utilizing the thermal imager on their cruisers. The male fled on foot and was apprehended by the Kennebunk Officer. As a result, Tr. Darcy arrested Scott York (42) of Hollis for Operating after Revocation and Failing to Submit to Arrest or Detention. He was booked at the York County Jail.

On 11/15/2020, Cpl. Cote investigated a car-deer crash at mile 62 southbound in Gray where the operator fled the scene on foot.  Cpl. Cote ended up stopping a taxi on Portland Road in Gray a short time after the scene was cleared and he found the operator in the back.  He was identified as Ricky Whitney (43) of Warren.  He confessed to being the operator and leaving the scene.  He was charged with Failure to Report Accident by Quickest Means.

Cpl. Physic instructed EVOC this past week that was shut down this past spring due to COVID.

On 11/10/2020 Tr. Belanger stopped Latisha Cook (25) of Searsport on Rt. 1A in Winterport for a defective break light. Cook was ultimately arrested on an FTA warrant and charged with OAS.

On 11/11/2020 Cpl. Quintero, Trooper Belanger, and Trooper Webber conducted a probation check on Travor Cannell (26) of Northport at 1 Poors Mills Rd Belfast. Cannell was on probation for Burglary, Robbery, and Drug Possession. Seized from Cannell was 79- 8mg Suboxone strips, a baseball bat used in the above assault, several blunt weapons, 7 bladed weapons, two stun-based weapons, and three replica firearms stored with burglary equipment. Cannell was arrested for possession of Schedule W Drugs and Violating his Probation. 

On 11/13/2020 Tr. Mattson stopped Sara-Kate Leathers (26) on Oak Hill Rd in Swanville for speed.  Sara-Kate initially claimed to have never been issued an operator’s license but after running her information it was determined that her license had been suspended.  Sara-Kate was summonsed for Operating after Suspension and directed to park her vehicle and not drive until she obtained a valid license.
 

Maine State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Crawford.

On Nov. 16, 2020, at approximately 5:56 a.m., Maine State Police responded to a fatal crash on Route 9 in Crawford involving a 2012 Freightliner tractor trailer, owned by Krisway Truck Leasing, hauling tissue paper and a 2016 Freightliner three axle box truck hauling Oakhurst milk, also owned by Krisway Truck Leasing.  The operator of the milk truck was deceased at the scene.  The Freightliner tractor trailer was driven by Nicholas Cota, 20, of Greenfield Township.  Cota was driving west while the Oakhurst truck was travelling east, and the collision occurred in the eastbound lane.  Failure to maintain the proper lane and speed appear to be factors in this crash. While we have tentatively identified the driver we will not be releasing a name until a positive identification has been made by the Medical Examiner.

Trooper Keith York responded as the primary investigator and was assisted at the scene by Lt. Rod Charette, Sergeant Jeff Ingemi, Sergeant Aaron Turcotte, Corporal Micah Perkins, Detective Chad Lindsey, Trooper Andy Foss, Trooper Cliff Peterson and Trooper Josh D’Angelo.  A crash reconstruction and forensic mapping are being conducted along with a vehicle autopsy. 
 
Alexander Fire Department, Baileyville Fire Department, Wesley Fire Department, Downeast EMS and Bouchards Towing also assisted. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation also assisted. Investigation continues.
 

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 0

11-16-20

Trooper Owen Reed responded to Blue Hill for a report that Benjamin Viggiano (23) of Stonington and Connecticut, was out of control and in the roadway with a fire poker.  Hancock Sheriff Office also responded with Trooper Reed and they found that Viggiano had broken into two buildings and damaged numerous items inside.  Viggiano was arrested for two Burglaries and Refusal to Submit to Arrest. 

Maine State Police responded to a fatal crash on Route 9 in Crawford involving a 2012 Freightliner tractor trailer, owned by Krisway Truck Leasing, hauling tissue paper and a 2016 Freightliner three axle box truck hauling Oakhurst milk, also owned by Krisway Truck Leasing.  The operator of the milk truck was deceased at the scene.  The tractor trailer was driven by Nicholas Cota (20) of Greenfield Township.  Cota was driving west while Oakhurst truck was travelling east, and the collision occurred in the eastbound lane.  Failure to maintain the proper lane and speed appear to be factors in this crash. While we have tentatively identified the driver, we will not be releasing a name until a positive identification has been made by the Medical Examiner.  Trooper Keith York responded as the primary investigator and was assisted at the scene by Lieutenant Rod Charette, Sergeant Jeff Ingemi, Sergeant Aaron Turcotte, Corporal Micah Perkins, Detective Chad Lindsey, Trooper Andy Foss, Trooper Cliff Peterson and Trooper Josh D’Angelo.  A crash reconstruction and forensic mapping are being conducted along with a vehicle autopsy.  Alexander Fire Department, Baileyville Fire Department, Wesley Fire Department, Downeast EMS and Bouchards Towing also assisted. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation also assisted. Investigation continues.

Trooper Kim Sawyer summonsed Jessica Dana (37) of Indian Township for Operating After Suspension, Class E after a car/deer crash in Princeton.

Trooper Kim Sawyer received a report that several mailboxes were damaged in Robbinston. 

 

 

Incident Type:         suspicious incident

Date:                          11/21/2020

Town:                        masardis

Trooper:                   Tr. Castonguay

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Kilcollins and Tr. Castonguay investigated a suspicious incident in Masardis.  A man was reported to be parked along the side of the roadway, acting strange, and doing something with his vehicle.  The man left and the caller noted the vehicle did not have working taillights and had Georgia registration plates.  An officer from Ashland PD located the vehicle in Ashland and imitated a traffic stop.  Tr. Kilcollins and Tr. Castonguay arrived to assist with the investigation.  The man had no identification and refused to provide his true name and date-of-birth.  After a lengthy investigation, the identity of the man was discovered and it was found he was currently out on bail, had a suspended driver’s license, was in violation of a deferred disposition, and attached false plates to the vehicle.  The man was issued criminal summons for the violations and later released.

 

Incident Type:         criminal speeding

Date:                          11/22/2020

Town:                        bridgewater

Trooper:                   Cpl. Quint

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Quint was parked along US Highway 1, Bridgewater, and observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed.  It was determined the vehicle was travelling 91 mph in a posted 55 mph zone.  Cpl. Quint stopped the driver who stated he was just going home from a friend in Presque Isle.  The man was issued a criminal summons for the violation.

 

Incident Type:         Recovered Stolen Vehicle

Date:                          11/19/2020

Town:                        Houlton

Trooper:                   Sgt. Fuller

Brief Synopsis:       Sgt. Fuller located and recovered a vehicle that had been stolen from Oakfield earlier in the month.  The vehicle was taken to the State Police impound lot and the investigation is ongoing.

 

Incident Type:         Criminal Trespass

Date:                          11/18/2020

Town:                        Glenwood

Trooper:                   Tr. Rider

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Rider was contacted by a camp owner who reported that someone had removed locks on camps he owned and had been using the property. The property was on an island and the weather prohibited Tr. Rider from getting to the location.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

 

Incident Type:         burglary

Date:                          11/22/2020

Town:                        Woodland

Trooper:                   Cpl. Michaud

Brief Synopsis:       A property owner reported that an abandoned home that he owned had been burglarized earlier in the day.  A neighbor reported to him that he had found the people on the property and chased them away.  During the investigation Cpl. Michaud learned the identity of the people that had been in the home.  The owner of the property decided against pressing charges since the property was empty and just wanted to make sure people were not squatting in it.

 

 

Incident Type:         THEFT

Date:                          11/20/2020

Town:                        Patten

Trooper:                   tr. saucier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Saucier took a report of a theft from a residence in Patten.  A subject called to report someone cut the catalytic converter off his camper and drained the gas tank.  The investigation is ongoing.

 

Incident Type:         CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Date:                          11/21/2020

Town:                        Saint John plt

Trooper:                   tr. curtin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Curtin took a criminal mischief report from a resident in Saint John.  The victim reported someone shot the window of his truck the night of November 19, 2020.  They advised they heard a gunshot that night but did not notice the damage until it was reported.  The investigation is ongoing.

 

Incident Type:         CASE SOLVED

Date:                          11/19/2020

Town:                        New Canada

Trooper:                   Tr. curtin

Brief Synopsis:       On 11-8-20 Tr. Curtin took a reckless conduct complaint in New Canada after a male subject fired a handgun at a group of people following an altercation at a party.  Tr. Curtin and Cpl. Casavant conducted several interviews and developed a suspect.  On 11-19-20, a 23-year old male from Grand Isle was taken into custody by Tr. Curtin, Sgt. Haines, Cpl. Casavant and Deputy Delena of Aroostook SO.  The male was charged with Reckless Conduct with a Firearm Class B.

On 11/16/2020, Tr. Reaser clocked a vehicle traveling at 114 MPH northbound near mile marker 26 in Kennebunk.  The operator, Grouse Shaik (23), was summonsed for Criminal Speed.

On 11/20/2020, Tr. Darcy assisted Troop A with a family fight in Dayton. The male party was intoxicated, irate, and striking his front porch with an aluminum baseball bat, refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. It was learned through interviews with other parties involved that there was not probable cause to arrest the male, so the decision was made to clear once the female party left the residence for the night. There were no further issues.

On 11/20/2020, at approximately 2230 hours, Cpl. Duda clocked a vehicle traveling at 104 MPH northbound near mile marker 53. A 17-year-old male operator was summonsed for exceeding the speed limit by 30 MPH or more.

On 11/21/2020, at approximately 0600 hours, Tr. Harakles and Tr. LiBritz received a report of a vehicle all over the road northbound in York. The caller stayed with the vehicle and Tr. LiBritz made contact with it in Scarborough. Upon further investigation it was determined the plates were illegally attached and the driver, Jamison Dominguez (25) of Portland, was suspended out of ME and MA. The vehicle was towed and the driver was summonsed for operating after suspension.

On 11/22/2020, Tr. Keim received a complaint of a vehicle described as a dark colored SUV that threw trash out their window. Tr. Keim saw the vehicle traveling northbound and followed it as it exited at MM 42 in Scarborough. The vehicle was traveling on the ramp at an excessive speed and passed another vehicle on the left as they exited the ramp, so Tr. Keim activated his blue lights in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle then made a U-turn, went back through the exit 42 toll booth at a high speed, and continued northbound at speeds of approximately 100 MPH as Tr. Keim pursued. The operator shut off their taillights but did have headlights on. Tr. Keim discontinued the pursuit due the erratic driving and an increase in vehicle traffic around MM 46.

Tr. Kristy LiBritz is completing the Fallen Officers 5K/10K/85-mile race challenge. She will be completing all three to honor our fallen heroes. Part of the proceeds go to the C.O.P.S Foundation to support the survivors.

On Wednesday, November 25, at 10:25 a.m., the Maine State Police Troop C responded to a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Interstate 95 in Waterville. On arrival, Troopers learned a blue 2003 Chevy pickup truck was traveling north at mile marker 127 and left the roadway during a snow storm. The vehicle went over the interstate guard rail near the overpass for Kennedy Memorial Drive (KMD) and landed on its roof in the westbound lane of KMD before going over another guardrail. Quickly following the collision the vehicle became engulfed in fire. 
 
The operator Gary Capehart, 71, of Sanford, and his passenger Susan Pope, 63, of Sanford were found deceased in the vehicle when first responders arrived. 
 
Westbound traffic on KMD was closed for approximately 2 hours while the crash was investigated. It is believed that speed, weather conditions, and traffic congestion due to another crash were factors. Prior to the crash Maine DOT was out maintaining the roadways and the advisory warning signs were on warning motorists to reduce their speed to 45-mph.
 
The Maine State Police would like to thank the many agencies that assisted them at the crash scene. The Waterville Police Department, Waterville Fire Department, Oakland Police Department, Oakland Fire Department, Delta Ambulance, the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, and Ace Towing. 
 
The Maine State Police would like to remind motorists to travel safely this holiday season. Reduce your speeds in inclement weather and abide by the advisory warning signs.
 

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 1

# of DV Arrests – 0

11-25-20

Trooper Miles Carpenter arrested Jesse Reed (31) of Lubec for Operating Under the Influence in Columbia.

 

 

Incident Type:         OAS

Date:                          11/25/2020

Town:                        Houlton

Trooper:                   Sgt. Fuller

Brief Synopsis:       Sgt. Fuller charged a local woman with operating after suspension.  The woman was pulled over in Houlton by Sgt. Fuller and a license check discovered her right to operate had been suspended.  She was summoned to Houlton District Court for the violation.

 

Incident Type:         PI Crash

Date:                          11/28/2020

Town:                        Castle Hill

Trooper:                   Tr. Levesque

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Levesque responded to a crash on the State Road in Castle Hill.   Investigation into the crash revealed that a local man was traveling west on the State Road in Castle Hill. The road was icy, and the operator lost control on the roadway while negotiating a corner.  He went off the road overturned and stuck a utility pole. The roadway was closed for a short time while the vehicle was being recovered.  The operator was transported to Northern Light Health AR Gould by Presque Isle Fire for non-life-threatening injuries.  Tr. Levesque was assisted at the scene by the Presque Isle Fire and the Castle Hill Fire Departments. 

 

Incident Type:         Burglary

Date:                          11/23/2020

Town:                        Ludlow

Trooper:                   Tr. Rider

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Rider responded to a Ludlow home when a homeowner, who had recently purchased a property, arrived home to find her back door kicked in.  The investigation is ongoing, and some leads were developed from cameras on the property.

 

Incident Type:         CRIMINAL SPEED

Date:                          11/24/2020

Town:                        Mapleton

Trooper:                   Cpl. Michaud

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Michaud was in Mapleton when he clocked a vehicle traveling west at 75 MPH in a posted 45 MPH speed zone.  Cpl. Michaud pulled the vehicle over and cited the local man for his speed and for failing to provide evidence of insurance.

 

Incident Type:         SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

Date:                          11/25/2020

Town:                        Island falls

Trooper:                   Tr. Saucier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Saucier partnered with a local grocery store in Southern Aroostook County and delivered several food baskets to families in need in his patrol area. 

 

Incident Type:         CASE SOLVED

Date:                          11/02/2020

Town:                        Littleton

Trooper:                   tr. mahon

Brief Synopsis:       On 11-2-20 Tr. Mahon took a theft report from a residence in Littleton in which several thousands of dollars in tools were stolen.  As a result of Tr. Mahon’s investigation, he was able to charge two males in connection with the theft.  A 42-year old Houlton man was charged with Receiving Stolen Property Class C and a 34-year old Ludlow man was charged with Receiving Stolen Property Class D.  Tr. Mahon was able to recover the majority of the tools taken.  

Trooper Dana Austin responded to Route 1 in Township 7 for a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash with serious injuries. Trooper Austin arrived on scene and determined one of the operators, Ami Norton, 51, of Gouldsboro, was deceased at the scene. 

According to authorities, it appears that Ami crossed over the yellow center line and struck a dump body pickup head-on. The operator of that pickup, Kurt Guptill, 37, of Columbia, was transported to Northern Light Maine Coast for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Trooper Austin was assisted at the scene by Sergeant Jason Sattler, Trooper Clifford Peterson, Trooper Darren Vittum, the Ellsworth Police Department, the Gouldsboro Police Department, Gouldsboro Fire Department, Steuben Fire Department, and the Sullivan Fire Department.