February 2022

UPDATE: Mr. Ray has been located safely. 

The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Silver Alert for Allen Raymond Ray, 80, who was last seen on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. walking away from his home at 14 True Rd in Mercer.

Ray is a white male, 5’04”, 150 lbs. with gray hair and blue eyes. Ray is missing a finger on his right hand and has the name Pauline tattooed on his shoulder. 

It is unknown what direction of travel Ray was headed and it is unknown what clothing he was wearing at the time. Ray has a mental health and heart conditions. 

Anyone who sees Allen Raymond Ray or has information should call 911 or 207.474.6386
 
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
 

On 02/01/2022, Cpl. Peckham stopped Tyler Elliot (25) of Sabattus for a vehicle defect. Elliot was charged with violating conditions of release x4, OAS, attaching false plates, and no insurance, and the vehicle was towed.

On 02/01/2022, Cpl. Peckham stopped Daniel Jackson (40) of Bowdoinham for using a handheld electronic device. The vehicle’s registration was suspended at the time of the stop, and the vehicle was towed.

On 02/02/2022, Tr. Ellis stopped Tyreek Rankins (23) of Lewiston on the ME turnpike southbound in Cumberland. His vehicle registration was found to be suspended. His vehicle was towed.

On 02/04/2022, Tr. Keim responded to a crash at mile 12 northbound in Ogunquit. The operator of a tractor trailer unit was driving too fast for the road conditions when he lost control of the tractor trailer, going across 2 lanes and running up onto the top of the guard rail.  The truck then slid approximately 200 feet to where it jackknifed and came to rest.  The driver was not injured and no summons was issued.

On 02/04/2022, Tr. Keim responded to a crash at mile 8 in York. The tractor trailer was heading south when the driver lost control of the vehicle due to speed and road conditions.  The truck first struck the center guardrail, causing the rear of the truck to swing and strike the shoulder guardrail.  The truck then came to rest in the center of the road blocking 3 lanes.  York FD responded for loss of motor oil on the road.  The driver was not injured and no summons was issued.

On 02/01/2022, Tr. Bourdelais volunteered his time with Cub Scout Pack 672 to discuss safety and the importance of knowing emergency numbers and having escape plans at home. Scouts were able to ask questions and observe some of the techniques and skills law enforcement officers use to do their jobs. This included fingerprints and evidence recovery. 

Maine State Police Troopers out of Troop J are trying to locate and confirm the wellbeing of 41-year-old Anson Snowdeal.  He was last seen in Ellsworth early yesterday morning when he left an apartment on Water Street on foot without his phone or wallet.  

Snowdeal was wearing tan work pants, a gray t-shirt, gray hooded sweatshirt and a black jacket.  He lives in Sullivan and may be in the Surry or Blue Hill area.

Anyone who knows his whereabouts should call 207-973-3700 x9. Thank you for your assistance.

Incident Type:         vcr

Date:                          2/3/2022

Town:                        frenchville

Trooper:                   TR. DESROSIER

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Desrosier was conducting traffic enforcement in Frenchville and met a vehicle speeding.  Tr. Desrosier also recognized the driver.  As he was turning to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle sped up and then turned into a private driveway.  The driver went inside the house before Tr. Desrosier could get there.  Tr. Desrosier waited for the driver to come out and initiated contact with him.  An investigation revealed the vehicle was not registered (criminal) and the man was on bail.  Tr. Desrosier issued him a criminal summons for expired vehicle registration beyond 150 days and for violating his bail conditions.  The man was issued a warning for speeding.

 

Incident Type:         WARRANT

Date:                          2/7/2022

Town:                        frenchville

Trooper:                   TR. DESROSIER

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Desrosier was driving through Frenchville and observed a vehicle with its hazards activated.  He stopped to check on the occupants and found the vehicle was stuck in the snow, could not get traction, and had other mechanical issues.  Further investigation revealed the driver had a warrant for his arrest.  The driver had his daughter with him so Tr. Desrosier brough them both to Fort Kent PD and helped the man arrange for bail and for a ride.  The man posted bail and was released without incident.

 

Incident Type:         unregistered vehicle

Date:                          2/7/2022

Town:                        oakfield

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay was conducting traffic enforcement in Oakfield when he observed a vehicle with an expired inspection.  After stopping the vehicle and investigating, he found the vehicle was not inspected, not registered, and the driver did not have proof of insurance.  He issued a traffic summons for the inspection and insurance violations and a criminal summons for it not being registered.

 

Incident Type:         defective motor vehicle

Date:                          2/10/2022

Town:                        castle hill

Trooper:                   TR. RIDER

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Rider was conducting traffic enforcement in Castle Hill when he observed a vehicle with an expired inspection and expired registration.  He stopped the vehicle and after an investigation determined that not only was the car not inspected or registered, the driver had no insurance.  Tr. Rider issued the driver a traffic summons for all three offenses and had the vehicle towed from the roadway.

 

Incident Type:         unregistered vehicle

Date:                          2/10/2022

Town:                        hodgdon

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay was conducting traffic enforcement in Hodgdon and observed a vehicle speeding in a posted 50 mph zone.  He stopped the vehicle and after an investigation found that this was the same vehicle, with a different driver, that he stopped on February 7th in Oakfield.  The vehicle was still not registered or inspected.  Tr. Castonguay issued the driver a warning for speeding and for the expired inspection and issued a criminal summons for the vehicle not being registered.

 

Incident Type:         CRIMINAL SPEED

Date:                          2/13/2022

Town:                        bridgewater

Trooper:                   TR. KILCOLLINS

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Kilcollins was conducting traffic enforcement on US Highway 1, Bridgewater, when he met a vehicle driving over a 100mph in a posted 55 mph zone.  Tr. Kilcollins stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver.   She was issued a criminal summons for the violation.

 

Incident Type:         unregistered vehicle

Date:                          2/10/2022

Town:                        hodgdon

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay was conducting traffic enforcement in Hodgdon and observed a vehicle speeding in a posted 50 mph zone.  He stopped the vehicle and after an investigation found that this was the same vehicle, with a different driver, that he stopped on February 7th in Oakfield.  The vehicle was still not registered or inspected.  Tr. Castonguay issued the driver a warning for speeding and for the expired inspection and issued a criminal summons for the vehicle not being registered.

 

Incident Type:         CASE SOLVED

Date:                          2/10/2022

Town:                        monticello

Trooper:                   CPL. QUINT

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Quint has been investigating a theft of cash from a local convenience store in Monticello.  Cpl. Quint had determined a suspect and conducted an interview where he was able to get a confession.  Cpl. Quint issued a summons for theft in this case. 

 

Incident Type:         VCR

Date:                          2/06/2022

Town:                        Frenchville

Trooper:                   Tr. Martin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Martin was patrolling the town of Frenchville when he observed a vehicle with numerous defects. Tr. Martin initiated a traffic stop and found that the male operator had bail conditions not to possess any drugs or alcohol. The man had search and test conditions as well. Tr. Martin smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Tr. Martin searched the man’s vehicle and found drug paraphernalia and marijuana. Tr. Marin summonsed the man for violating his conditions of release.

Incident Type:         OAS

Date:                          2/07/2022

Town:                        Frenchville

Trooper:                   Tr. Marin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Martin was patrolling Route 1 in Frenchville when he observed a vehicle traveling over the posted speed limit. Tr. Martin initiated a traffic stop and found that the female operator had a suspended license. Tr. Martin issued the female a summons for operating after suspension and a warning for the speed. A licensed passenger was allowed in the vehicle drive the vehicle.

 

Incident Type:         Warrant Arrest

Date:                          12/09/2021

Town:                        Houlton

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton was traveling through Houlton on Route 1 when he observed a vehicle with numerous defects. Tr. Cotton initiated a traffic stop and identified the male operator and female passenger. Tr. Cotton learned that the female passenger had a warrant for failing to appear for her court date. Tr. Cotton arrested the female and transported her to the Houlton Barracks. The female was able to post bail and was released. 

Incident Type:         OAS

Date:                          2/10/2022

Town:                        Littleton

Trooper:                   TR. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton was patrolling Route 1 in Littleton when he observed a vehicle with a defective headlight. Tr. Cotton initiated a traffic stop and found the female operator had a suspended license. Tr. Cotton issued the operator a criminal summons for operating after suspension and allowed the female to drive the vehicle from the scene due to her having an infant child in the vehicle with her.  

 

Incident Type:         Warrant Arrest

Date:                          2/10/2022

Town:                        Houlton

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton was traveling on Route 1 in Houlton when he ran a registration check of a vehicle in front of him. Tr. Cotton learned the female registered owner of the car had an active warrant for failing to appear. Tr. Cotton initiated a traffic stop, identified the operator as the registered owner and placed her under arrest. Tr. Cotton transported the female to the Houlton Barracks where she posted bail and was released.

 

Incident Type:         Disorderly conduct

Date:                          2/10/2022

Town:                        Monticello

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       A local female called to report she was being harassed by her neighbor at an apartment complex in Monticello. Tr. Cotton responded to the scene and interviewed both parties. The investigation revealed that both parties have a history of not getting along and began to yell expletives at each other in the public parking lot. Tr. Cotton issued both parties a disorderly conduct warning. 

Incident Type:         Warrant Arrest

Date:                          2/09/2022

Town:                        Smyrna

Trooper:                   Tr. Merchant

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Merchant learned that a man in Smyrna had an active no bail warrant for violating his conditions of release/ Pre-Trial supervision. Tr. Merchant went to an address in Smyrna and was able to locate and arrest the man. Tr. Merchant transported the man to the Aroostook County Jail.

 

 

Incident Type:         Warrant Arrest

Date:                          2/09/2022

Town:                        Island Falls

Trooper:                   Tr. Barnard

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Barnard learned that an Island Falls man had an active no bail warrant for violating his conditions of release/ Pre-Trial supervision. Tr. Barnard went to an address in Island Falls and was able to locate the man. Tr. Barnard placed the man under arrest and transported him to the Aroostook County Jail.

 

Incident Type:         ACCIDENT - SERIOUS INJURY

Date:                          2/11/2022

Town:                        Orient/Amity town line

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       On 02-11-2022 at approximately 0930 hours, Houlton Regional Communications Center received a report of a head on collision on Route 1 at the Amity/ Orient town line between two tractor trailer units. It was reported that one operator was trapped in his vehicle. Tr. Hunter Cotton and Sgt. Chad Fuller responded to the scene. An investigation revealed that the operator of the 2021 Western Star was traveling North and crossed the centerline into the Southbound lane of Route 1. The operator of the 2014 Peterbilt was traveling South and attempted to swerve into the Northbound lane to avoid the collision but struck the oncoming truck head on. The operator of the 2014 Peterbilt sustained minor injuries and the operator of the 2021 Western Star was Life flighted to EMMC in Bangor with serious injuries. The scene is being reconstructed and the investigation is ongoing.                         

 

Incident Type:         THEFT

Date:                          2/07/2022

Town:                        wallagrass

Trooper:                   tr. curtin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Curtin received a shoplifting complaint from a local store in Wallagrass advising they had a male on video stealing items.  The store was familiar with the man and advised they only wanted the items back.  Tr. Curtin met with the 39-year old Caribou man who admitted to taking the items and gave them to Tr. Curtin to return.  The man was issued a trespass notice for the store.

 

Incident Type:         WARRANT

Date:                          2/07/2022

Town:                        stacyville

Trooper:                   tr. saucier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Saucier arrested a 40-year old Stacyville man on a warrant that had been recently issued.  Tr. Saucier transported the man to the Troop F Barracks where he was able to make bail. 

 

Incident Type:         Warrant arrest

Date:                          2/12/2022

Town:                        Staceyville

Trooper:                   Tr. Saucier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Saucier and ACSO arrested a 50-year old Stacyville man on an outstanding warrant for bail revocation out of Aroostook County.  Tr. Saucier previously arrested the man a week prior on warrants from Penobscot County. 

 

Incident Type:         OAS

Date:                          2/13/2022

Town:                        Frenchville and HOdgdon

Trooper:                   Tr. Mahon and TR. Sylvia

Brief Synopsis:       While working traffic Tr. Mahon charged a 37-year old man for OAS in Frenchville and Tr. Sylvia charged a 21-year old man for OAS in Hodgdon.

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at approximately 5:33 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to 515 Leighton Point Road in Pembroke to a report of an unresponsive female.  When deputies arrived, the female was discovered deceased and the circumstances were suspicious.  Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North and the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team responded to the residence to continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.  The victim was later transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy was performed on Thursday, February 10, 2022.  The victim has been identified as 53-year-old Paula Johnson of Pembroke.  The results of the autopsy has ruled the death to be a homicide.  Maine State Police continue to investigate and are asking for the public’s help.  If anyone has information about the death or saw anything on the Leighton Point Road in the last few days that seems suspicious, please call the Maine State Police dispatch in Bangor at 973-3700 and leave a message for Detective Adam Bell.

That is all of the information we will be releasing at this time.
 

02-14-22 to 02-20-22

# of School Visits conducted – 0
# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0
# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0
# of DV Arrests – 0

02-14-22
Trooper Travis Chapman and Sergeant Gavin Endre responded Sullivan where a family fight was reported. After an investigation it was determined that no crimes had occurred, and the parties were separated for the night.

Trooper Travis Chapman attempted to stop a vehicle on the Washington Junction Road in Hancock for several violations. The vehicle did not immediately stop, and the vehicle continued for over two and a half miles before coming to a stop in Ellsworth. Trooper Chapman arrested the operator, Jacob Britton (21) of Hancock for warrants, driving with a revoked habitual offender license, and violating conditions of release. More charges are expected.  Sergeant Gavin Endre and Ellsworth Police Department assisted.

02-17-22

Trooper Jarid Leonard investigated a motor vehicle crash in Hancock. Gilbert Ogden (40) of Hancock, lost control of his vehicle, slid off the roadway, and struck a telephone pole. No injuries were reported.

02-19-22
Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a motor vehicle stop in Calais on Michael Schultz (34) of Calais. An investigation uncovered the fact that his vehicle held a suspended registration. He was summonsed for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration.

Trooper Travis Chapman and Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a traffic detail in Calais. Several warning and summonses were issued for various traffic violations. 

Sergeant Gavin Endre and Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to Flanders Pond for a report of a disorderly incident. 

02-20-22
Trooper Keith York responded to a crash in Kossuth.  As a result of the investigation the operator, Jeffrey Sproul (59) of Lee, was summonsed for Operating After Suspension.

 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Monday, February 14, 2022, at approximately 11:45 a.m., Maine State Troopers  were assisting the Auburn Police Department  with an attempt to locate 31-year-old Brandon Pelletier of Auburn who was wanted on numerous felony warrants. Troopers approached Pelletier’s vehicle with their blue lights activated. Upon seeing the Troopers Pelletier proceeded to ram one of the two cruisers and began to flee the scene.

Troopers were able to catch up to Pelletier’s vehicle and a pursuit began. Troopers along with the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office pursued Pelletier throughout Auburn. During the pursuit Pelletier hit numerous vehicles who were traveling on the roadway. Troopers attempted numerous times to end the pursuit but were unable to, due to Pelletier attempting to hit their cruisers with his vehicle. The pursuit continued into Minot where Pelletier struck another vehicle. Troopers attempted to disable Pelletier’s vehicle again. Pelletier then swerved towards one of the cruisers, striking it and causing his own vehicle to roll over. Pelletier refused to exit the vehicle and a police K-9 was deployed to apprehend Pelletier.

Pelletier was transported to Central Maine Medical Center with minor injuries. Pelletier was wanted for multiple charges including robbery.  New charges stemming from this incident include driving to endanger, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, refusing to submit to arrest or detention by force, leaving the scene of a crash, criminal speed and numerous other traffic infractions. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of cocaine and fentanyl. Androscoggin SO, Auburn PD, Mechanic Falls PD, Minot Fire and United Ambulance assisted the Maine State Police. 

Anyone that was struck by the offending vehicle is asked to reach out to Sgt. Chris Farley at the Maine State Police 624-7076.
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

Losing a child in a split second can happen to anyone but for parents of children with an intellectual or developmental disability the chances are higher and the worry greater.

“It was something we were in constant fear about,” said Maeghan Swanson of Presque Isle who is the mother of a 12-year-old boy with autism. Swanson knows all too well that children with autism are known to wander or bolt which can lead them into dangerous situations.

Swanson’s concern for her child and other children with disabilities prompted her to contact representative Senator Harold “Trey” Stewart. Their conversation is what ultimately led to the creation of LD 28, An Act to Create an Alert System to Notify the Public when a Person with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability is Missing. The bill was signed into law by Governor Mills on May 25, 2021.  

"I was thrilled to see the support that LD 28 garnered throughout the legislative process. It's an example of the positive outcomes’ parents can see when they advocate for their children, as my constituent Maeghan did for hers” said Senator Stewart. “By coming together with stakeholders and the Maine Department of Public Safety we were able to address a serious gap in Maine's emergency alert system and fix it through the bill that I sponsored.  I'm confident that this legislation will protect some of Maine's most vulnerable citizens and help to save lives in emergencies and am proud to see it go into effect." 

To increase efficiency the Department of Public Safety incorporated the new program into the state’s Silver Alert program which in 2010 was developed for missing senior citizens with cognitive impairments. The updated Silver Alert now includes both alert programs.

“This update to our Silver Alert program provides Law Enforcement and families in our State with another means to quickly disseminate information on a missing endangered person without an age limit,” said Brodie Hinckley, Director of Emergency Communications. “It is another effective tool in our toolbelt to help during these stressful situations. I want to thank Senator Stewart and Maeghan for bringing this bill forward and working with us to update the current Silver Alert program.”

Maine is now the 18th state and the only New England state to have an alert system for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

“As the mother of a special needs child, I know all too well that often mere minutes can make a difference when it comes to finding a child that has eloped or wandered” said Maeghan Swanson. “The passage of this bill provides first responders and the public with critical information that will more than likely help save the lives of children across the state.  For my son and for so many others, I am so grateful to live in a state that has moved in this direction and is striving to support our special needs community.”
 

On 02/09/2022, Cpl. Physic arrested Kenneth Goodwin for OUI.  Goodwin took an intoxilyzer test and blew over the legal limit. Tpr. Welch assisted.

On 02/11/2022, Tr. Ellis stopped Fallou Gueye (33) of New York on the ME turnpike for traveling below the minimum speed limit southbound in Biddeford. Tr. Ellis determined Mr. Gueye was operating a commercial motor vehicle and conducted an inspection. He was found to be operating the vehicle without a commercial driver’s license or operating authority. Additionally, several mechanical defects were discovered, making the vehicle unsafe to operate on the roadway. He was charged with operating without a license. He and his vehicle were placed out of service and the vehicle was towed.

On 02/11/2022, Sgt. Pappas arrested Marcus Coleman for DV terrorizing.

On 02/11/2022, Sgt. Pappas summonsed Letery Greenley for operating without a license.

On 02/12/2022, Tr. Ellis stopped Kobe James (22) of South Portland on the ME turnpike for speeding southbound in Portland. He was found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to Cumberland County Jail. His vehicle was towed.

On 2/13/2022, Tr. Ellis stopped Patrick Gasore (25) of Portland on the ME turnpike northbound in Scarborough. He had been reported by another motorist to be operating erratically and was speeding at the time of the stop. He was found to not have a driver’s license. He was charged accordingly, and his vehicle was towed away.

On 02/13/2022, Sgt. Pappas summonsed Diane Leavitt for OAS.

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at approximately 6:36 a.m., Maine State Troopers were assisting SPS New England as they were attempting to set up a lane closure for the bridge project. SPS New England and the Troopers were in the left northbound lane of the Piscataqua River Bridge, on Interstate 95 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire just prior to the Maine State Line where the lane closure was going to be set up. Trooper Thomas Welch, 43, who was in a fully marked cruiser with emergency lights activated was rear-ended by Sean McInnis, 31, of Merrimack, New Hampshire who was driving a silver Ford 150. Tr. Welch was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. McInnis and the two occupants in his vehicle were not injured. New Hampshire State Police is investigating the crash. Any questions about the crash or potential charges should be directed to the NHSP.

The Maine State Police and the Bureau of Highway Safety wants to remind drivers to put safety first.  One of the most dangerous parts of an emergency responders’ job is stepping out on the side of the road, whether it is for a traffic stop, to assist a motorist or to investigate a crash.

To protect those who protect us, every state has “Move Over” Laws, requiring drivers to Move Over and  Slow Down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated.