May 2022

Incident Type:         oas

Date:                          4/26/2022

Town:                        Littleton

Trooper:                   CPL. QUINT

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Quint was conducting traffic enforcement in Littleton and observed a vehicle with a defective exhaust.  A traffic stop was initiated and after an investigation it was discovered the driver had a suspended driver’s license for not paying fines/costs and had a previous OAS charge.  The man was issued a criminal summons for the violation and arranged to have a licensed driver come get him and his vehicle.

 

Incident Type:         operating without license

Date:                          4/23/2022

Town:                        woodland

Trooper:                   TR. ROY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Roy was conducting traffic enforcement in Woodland and observed a vehicle speeding.  Tr. Roy initiated a traffic stop and after investigating it was determined the driver had a suspended driver’s license in a different state.  The man stated he was on a payment plan to get his license reinstated and was aware it was currently suspended.  Tr. Roy issued the man a criminal summons for operating without a license and helped him arrange to have a licensed driver come get him and his vehicle.

 

Incident Type:         traffic offense

Date:                          4/28/2022

Town:                        saint agatha

Trooper:                   TR. ROY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Roy investigated an incident of a vehicle passing a stopped school bus, with its lights flashing, more than once.  The bus had video footage of the incident, which occurred on school grounds, and the principal was able to identify the passengers.  The registered owner was located and stated she thought she could pass since the vehicle was not on the roadway.  Tr. Roy educated the driver and issued a criminal summons for the violation.

 

 

Incident Type:         speaking engagement

Date:                          4/28/2022

Town:                        houlton

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay spoke to a group of students enrolled in a law enforcement class taught by Retired Trooper David Socoby.  Tr. Castonguay spoke about the technology used, criteria to become a Trooper, and other topic as well as answering a variety of questions.

 

Incident Type:         Citizen Request

Date:                          4/25/2022

Town:                        Ludlow

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       An elderly Ludlow woman called to report she thought someone had vandalized the tires on her garden tractor utility trailer. Tr. Cotton responded to the scene and determined that the tires had lost air over the previous winter and once she had put some debris in the trailer, the bead on both tires had become unseated and began to roll off the rims. The elderly woman had no way of getting the tire’s fixed and needed her trailer for spring cleanup. With the elderly woman’s permission, Tr. Cotton gathered some tools and was able to set the bead and inflate both trailer tires.

 

Incident Type:         FTO Training

Date:                          4/27/2022

Town:                        Portland

Trooper:                   TR. Cotton, Tr. Martin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton and Tr. Martin attended a 3-day FTO training at the Portland Police Department.

 

Incident Type:         Warrant Arrest

Date:                          4/25/2022

Town:                        Houlton

Trooper:                   Tr. Barnard

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Barnard responded to the Houlton Port of Entry after they called the Houlton RCC reporting they had a local man in custody with three active warrants. Tr. Barnard arrested the man and transported him to ACJ.

 

Incident Type:         ACCIDENT- PI

Date:                          4/25/2022

Town:                        Littleton

Trooper:                   TR. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton and Tr. Barnard responded to a PI crash on Route 1 in Littleton. Tr. Cotton determined that a man driving a utility van had become distracted from his morning coffee and rear ended a sedan that was getting ready to make a left turn onto a side road. The operator of the sedan that was rear ended stated that he had some minor pain but refused to go to the hospital. The impact of the crash caused the operator of the sedan to lose one of his shoes and it broke the driver’s seat. Tr. Cotton issued the driver of the van a VSAC for failing to maintain control of a motor vehicle. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

 

Incident Type:         Theft

Date:                          4/26/2022

Town:                        Cross Lake

Trooper:                   Cpl. Casavant

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Casavant began investigating the theft of a shotgun from a camp.  The camp owner noticed the shotgun missing about a month ago and said he heard there were numerous camps broken into last fall.  The case remains under investigation. 

 

Incident Type:         Firearms Instruction

Date:                          4/28-29/2022

Town:                        Augusta

Trooper:                   Sgt. Haines

Brief Synopsis:       Sgt. Haines assisted with firearms instruction for spring requals at the Augusta Range.  

Incident Type:         Burglary

Date:                          4/30/2022

Town:                        Allagash

Trooper:                   Tr. Mahon

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Mahon began investigating a burglary of a seasonal residence in Allagash.  The incident was discovered by a caretaker and between he and the owner the discovered a generator was missing.  Tr. Martin and Mahon processed the scene and collected evidence.  A suspect has been developed and the case remains under investigation. 

 

Incident Type:         Theft  

Date:                          4/30/2022

Town:                        BaNcroft Twp

Trooper:                   Tr. Saucier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Saucier and Tr. Rider responded to a residence under construction in Bancroft when a neighbor reported there were multiple vehicles there stealing building materials.  No one was at the property when Troopers arrived.  Tr. Saucier is working with the owner and the case remains under investigation.     

 

Incident Type:         Trespassing

Date:                          4/30/2022

Town:                        Bancroft TWP

Trooper:                   Tr. Saucier

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Saucier took a report from a New Hampshire resident complaining that his camp neighbor in Bancroft parked a trailer on his property and he wants it removed.  Tr. Saucier is working on contacting the owner of the trailer.         

 

Incident Type:         Harassment

Date:                          5/01/2022

Town:                        Westfield

Trooper:                   Tr. Mahon

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Mahon and Tr. Martin dealt with a heated landlord and tenant issue in Westfield.  The property owner went back after the initial advisement to handle it through the eviction process in court.  This caused a second call from the tenant forcing Troopers to return.  The male and female property owners were issued harassment and trespass warnings by Sgt. Haines. 

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 1

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 0

04-24-22

Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a motor vehicle stop in Calais. Justine Cheney (19) of Calais was found to be operating an expired motor vehicle with a registration that exceeded 150 days. Justine was charged as a result of the investigation.

Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 1 in Jonesboro. Christopher Chaponis (62) of Harrington was found exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph. Christopher received a summons as a result of the investigation.

04-27-22

Sergeant Gavin Endre responded to Acadia Highway in Orland for the report of a male trying to get run over by traffic. The male had also laid down in the roadway in front of a school bus. Once on scene, Sergeant Endre along with Marine Patrol Officers arrested Kyle Ellis (39) of Orland for Obstructing a Public Way.

Trooper Keith York arrested Nathan Moffett Sr (45) of Calais. Nathan was charged with Violation of Conditions of Release.

04-28-22

Trooper Owen Reed arrested Cullen Schneider (42) of Orland for Operating Under the Influence as result of a wrecker request in Blue Hill.

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Sunday, May 01, 2022 at 8:16 p.m. the Maine State Police responded to I-295 southbound at mile marker 16 for a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle that had been reported operating north in the southbound lanes and had struck another vehicle head on. When emergency responders arrived, they identified the operator of the motorcycle as 47-year-old John Rivard of Lewiston. Rivard was operating a black 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle and had entered onto the interstate system from the exit 15 southbound off-ramp. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The other vehicle involved was a brown 2010 Honda Accord and the operator from Brunswick was not injured. Both I-295 southbound lanes were closed to traffic by Maine DOT for approximately 2 ½ hours to allow law enforcement time to process the scene. The crash remains under active investigation.

The Maine State Police was assisted by Yarmouth PD, Falmouth PD, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Yarmouth Fire/Rescue.
 

On 04/25/2022, Cpl. Cote stopped William Tarbox (29) of Saco on the ME Turnpike southbound in Portland.  He had been traveling 89 mph in a posted 50 mph active construciton zone.  He was charged with Criminal Speed.

On 04/25/2022, Cpl. Physic summonsed Donald Mitchell for OAS and Suspended Registration due to tolls.

On 04/26/2022, Cpl. Cote stopped Nicholas Tarvers (36) of Westbrook northbound in Saco.  His ME Driver’s License was found to be suspended. He had active bail conditions and an arrest warrant for failing to appear on a driving while suspended charge as well as a drug charge.  He was charged with Operating after Suspension, Possession of a Suspended License, and Violation of Conditions of Release.  His vehicle was towed away.

On 4/29/2022, Tr. Ellis stopped Mark Barrett (56) of Lewiston for speeding and improper lane use on the ME turnpike northbound in South Portland. His passenger, Lisa Parisi-Baribeau (37) of Lewiston, was found to have a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and transported to Cumberland County Jail. Tr. Bourdelais assisted.

On 04/29/2022, Tr. Bourdelais assisted with a traffic stop on the turnpike in Falmouth. Upon further investigation, the operator was identified as Troy Beaulieu. Beaulieu appeared to be under the influence. He was put through field sobriety tests and subsequently arrested.  The vehicle was towed and the operator was taken to a local police department where he was administered an intoxilyzer test.  The results were over the legal limit.  He was charged with Operating Under the Influence.

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at approximately 12:00 a.m., Maine State Police responded to a fatal crash on Route 191 in Meddybemps involving a black 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 26-year-old Austin Porter of Alexander.  Porter, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates Porter was traveling in the southbound lane when he crossed the center line went onto the shoulder of the northbound lane and then overcorrected and went back across the road off the southbound shoulder and into some parked vehicles.  Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in this crash.  Porter was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. 

Assisting the Maine State Police was Charlotte First Responders, Charlotte Fire Department, Meddybemps Fire Department, Downeast EMS and Lyon’s Towing.   
 

Incident Type:         operating without license

Date:                          5/4/2022

Town:                        Caribou

Trooper:                   TR. DESROSIER

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Desrosier was in Caribou and observed a woman driving that he suspected did not have a valid driver’s license.  After confirming with the dispatcher, he conducted a traffic stop to investigate.  The woman stated she still owes money to another state for her license there and cannot get one in Maine until that issue is resolved.  Tr. Desrosier issued her a criminal summons for operating without a license and helped her arrange for a licensed driver to come get her and her vehicle. 

 

Incident Type:         ACCIDENT - FATAL

Date:                          5/4/2022

Town:                        masardis

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Masardis.  The driver lost control of the vehicle striking a utility pole.  The driver was killed in the crash and the passenger was taken to the hospital in Presque Isle with serious but not life-threatening injuries.  The crash was reconstructed by Off. Kyle White, PIPD, and still remains under investigation.

 

Incident Type:         operating without a license

Date:                          5/5/2022

Town:                        Frenchville

Trooper:                   TR. DESROSIER

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Desrosier was driving through Frenchville and observed the same vehicle he stopped on May 4th and the same unlicensed female driver driving.  He conducted a traffic stop and she stated she was driving a couple that just came from the eye doctor.  The woman still had a suspended out-of-state license.  Tr. Desrosier issued her another criminal summons for operating without a license.  The vehicle was stopped in a private driveway, so it was not towed.

 

Incident Type:         ACCIDENT

Date:                          5/5/2022

Town:                        masardis

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay responded to a single truck crash on State Route 11 in Masardis.  The driver was going south, stated he had a “sneezing fit” and lost control of his loaded log truck.  The truck went off the right side of the roadway striking a pile of logs belonging to Daaquam Mill.  No one was injured during the incident.

 

Incident Type:         PUBLIC RELATIONS

Date:                          5/6/2022

Town:                        caribou

Trooper:                   TR. ROY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Roy participated in a career day type event at the Caribou Technical Center.  He explained to various groups of students the role of a State Police Trooper, the process to be hired, and showed some of his gear and his cruiser.

 

Incident Type:         minor in possession of liquor

Date:                          5/8/2022

Town:                        Oakfield

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Castonguay was conducting traffic enforcement on Interstate 95, Oakfield, and observed a vehicle speeding.  A traffic stop was conducted and during the investigation Tr. Castonguay observed an open 30-pack of beer in the rear seat; the driver was a minor.  Tr. Castonguay issued the man a civil summons for minor in possession of liquor and a traffic summons for speeding.  Tr. Castonguay confiscated and disposed of the beer.

 

Incident Type:         crash / OUI

Date:                          5/8/2022

Town:                        castle hill

Trooper:                   TR. RIDER

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Rider responded to a single vehicle crash in Castle Hill.  After an investigation, he had the female driver perform Field Sobriety Testing which she failed.  The woman was arrested for OUI and transported to Presque Isle PD for a breath test.    The woman was able to post bail and was released.

 

Incident Type:         Speed

Date:                          5/06/2022

Town:                        Patten

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton was patrolling the South Patten Road in Patten when he observed a vehicle traveling South at 84 mph in a posted 50 MPH zone. Tr. Cotton initiated a traffic stop. Tr. Cotton made contact with the male operator who stated that it was a new vehicle. Tr. Cotton issued the operator a summons for Criminal Speed.

 

Incident Type:         Violation Conditional Release

Date:                          5/06/2020

Town:                        HOULTON

Trooper:                   Tr. Cotton

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Cotton was traveling on Route 2 in Houlton when he observed a truck with no registration plates or inspection sticker. Tr. Cotton initiated a traffic stop with the truck and learned the local man’s license was suspended. The man also had active bail condition and a warrant for his arrest. The man had no proof of insurance, registration and the vehicle had numerous defects. Tr. Cotton arrested the man and transported him to the Houlton State Police Barracks where he was able to post bail for his warrant. Tr. Cotton summonsed the man for OAS and VCR. Tr. Cotton issued the man VSAC’s for operating a defective motor vehicle and failing to produce insurance. The truck was towed from the scene.

 

Incident Type:         fraud

Date:                          5/02/2022

Town:                        perham

Trooper:                   cpl. casavant

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Casavant received a fraud complaint from a resident in Perham.  The man had wired $16,000 to a business in Pennsylvania to purchase a vehicle and it was never delivered.  The company was now not answering his emails or calls.  The investigation is ongoing. 

 

Incident Type:         burglary

Date:                          5/03/2022

Town:                        perham

Trooper:                   cpl. casavant

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Casavant responded to a vacant Perham residence after a family member called to report the house had been broken into in the last few months.  Several items were taken from the residence and the investigation is ongoing.

 

Incident Type:         instructor

Date:                          5/04/2022

Town:                        augusta

Trooper:                   sgt. haines

Brief Synopsis:       Sgt. Haines spent May 4, 2022 to May 6, 2022 at the Augusta Range as a firearms instructor for MSP.

 

Incident Type:         traffic summons

Date:                          5/08/2022

Town:                        fort fairfield

Trooper:                   tr. roy

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Roy was traveling through Fort Fairfield when he observed a vehicle with an expired inspection sticker.  Tr. Roy stopped the vehicle for the violation and learned the registration had also expired in January of 2021.  The female operator admitted the vehicle would not pass inspection and also did not have insurance.  Tr. Roy issued the Fort Fairfield woman a criminal summons for the registration violation and warned her for the other violations.  Tr. Roy had the vehicle towed from the scene.

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 0

05-01-22

Sergeant Gavin Endre conducted a traffic stop in Lamoine on Jacob Murphy (42) of Surry.  Jacob was charged with Violating his Conditions of Release and Possession of Scheduled Drugs.

05-02-22

Sergeant Gavin Endre conducted a traffic stop on Nicole Green (33) of Ellsworth and Aaron Gallegos (30) of Trenton, in Lamoine. Green was charged for Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person and Possession of Scheduled Drugs. Gallegos was charged with Violating Conditions of Release.

05-03-22

Sergeant Gavin Endre conducted a traffic stop on David Lentz (22) of Hancock. Lentz was charged with Attaching False Plates and Violating Conditions of Release.

Maine State Police responded to a fatal crash on Route 191 in Meddybemps involving a black 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by Austin Porter (26) of Alexander.  Porter was deceased at the scene and was the sole occupant of the vehicle.  Porter was traveling in the southbound lane when he crossed the center line and onto the shoulder of the northbound lane and then overcorrected and went back across the road off the southbound shoulder and into some parked vehicles.  Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in this crash.  Porter was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.  Corporal Jeffrey Taylor responded as the primary investigating officer and was assisted at the scene by Sergeant Jeffrey Ingemi.  Charlotte First Responders, Charlotte Fire Department, Meddybemps Fire Department, Downeast EMS and Lyon’s Towing also assisted.    

05-05-22

Corporal Jeff Taylor responded to Lubec for a report that Dari McConnell (36) of Lubec, had made threats to harm with a firearm, to a third party that was at a local school causing the school to go into lock down.  As a result of the investigation, Dari McConnell was arrested for terrorizing and given a trespass warning not to return to the Lubec Elementary School at the request of the school.  Sergeant Jeff Ingemi, Washington Sheriff Office and Marine Patrol assisted.

05-08-22

Trooper Owen Reed responded to a theft complaint in Sedgwick where it was reported that clamming equipment was stolen from a truck.  Investigation continues.

 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.

On Saturday, May 7, 2022, at approximately 8:23 p.m. the Maine State Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle crash in Township 22 on Airline Road. The crash involved a four-door sedan and a motorcycle. The investigation revealed that the sedan crossed the centerline and into the path of the oncoming motorcycle. The motorcycle, driven by 49-year-old Charles Brown of Indian Township was hit head-on, and Brown was thrown from the motorcycle. Brown sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the sedan, 48-year-old Daniel Lyons of Veazie fled on foot and was taken into custody a short time later near the scene of the crash. Lyons was arrested after being treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. He was charged with aggravated operating under the influence and manslaughter. The Maine State Police would thank the Maine Warden Service, Maine DOT, and the Osborne Fire Department who assisted them on scene. Alcohol is considered a factor in the crash.

Trooper from Troop D recovers thousands of dollars in stolen property.

On May 5, 2022, Tpr. Thomas Bureau was called to a residence on the Morgan Pitch Road in Brooks, for a reportedly burglary. The complainant reported that he had discovered thousands of dollars’ worth of items had been taken, including a snow blower and generator, among other electronics and tools. 

On May 9, the complainant called back to report another nearby property had also been burglarized and a cookstove worth several thousands of dollars was taken from there.

As a result of the investigation, Troopers met with James Hatch, 65, of Winterport and ultimately charged him 2 counts of Burglary Class-C; and 1 count of Theft by unauthorized taking or transfer Class-B. The property was recovered and returned. The items that were recovered were valued at over $10,000. 
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

Soldiers of the Maine National Guard’s Bravo Company 3-172 Infantry - Mountain, are home after a ten-month deployment to Africa.

During their time overseas, the unit supported Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa as part of Task Force Iron Gray, approximately 1,000 National Guard Soldiers from Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Colorado.

Bravo Company conducted several missions ranging from two weeks to three months alongside Naval Special Warfare, Marine Special Operations Command, as well as soldiers from Somalia, Uganda, Djibouti, and Kenya, strengthening the defense capability of America’s partners in a strategic area of the world.

Two of those Bravo Company soldiers are also Maine State Troopers. And after a few well-deserved weeks off and some time to settle back into their daily routine we chatted with them about their experience and how they feel about service and being home. 

Trooper Patrick Flanagan

Trooper Flanagan has been in the Maine Army National Guard for 10 years. He has spent that time in the Infantry with Bravo Company 3-172 INF (MTN) out of Brewer. He is currently a First Lieutenant (1LT). 

Their mission in Africa was a rewarding experience and one he is grateful for. Trooper Flanagan says while he is proud of the work his team does it’s hard for everyone to be away from their family. 

The hardest part for Trooper Flanagan was knowing that he wasn’t physically there to be a part of their support system.

“Missing family gatherings and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas were very difficult,” said Trooper Flanagan. Communication was hard and few and far between at times due to the schedule and time difference” said Trooper Flanagan. “ I missed working as a Trooper because the brotherhood is very similar to the military. I love what I do as a police officer, so not being able to put the uniform on and go out and make a difference in the community every day was very difficult.”
Upon returning home to Maine Trooper Flanagan said “It was surreal and seeing friends and family for the first time in almost a year was amazing. This was the longest period that I have ever been away so there was a lot of catching up to do with those who are close to me. I took some time to travel and vacation before returning to work as a Trooper. I am very grateful and happy to be back in Maine.”

Trooper Flanagan is serving his country and state. “Service is very important to me and I have wanted to be a police officer since I was a little kid. My father and younger brother are both police officers and my Mother and older brother are Nurses, so helping people is a family tradition” said Trooper Flanagan. “My favorite part about being a police officer is when I see the smile on someone’s face when I can make a positive difference in their life. September 11th is the reason I joined the military, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has helped shape me into the person I am today” 

Trooper William Pusey

 Trooper William (Liam) Pusey has been in the Army National Guard for 12 and a half years. He has been a part of the Maine Guard for the past 6 years and is currently a Staff Sergeant (E-6).

Trooper Pusey says the hardest part of being away was not being able to support his wife with everything at home. “She had the hardest job of maintaining the house, working a full-time job, and continuing to have a social life with our friends all on her own. The holidays were tough, missing all the family traditions and time with loved ones.” Trooper Pusey said “As cliché, as it sounds, being away from the Maine State Police, was hard because I love my job! My lieutenant kept me connected to the Troop by sending me emails with what was going on.” 

Trooper Pusey also chose a path of service, both for his state and country. 

“I am sure you could ask any cop about service and you would get some form of the following: I really enjoy helping people. I have been in some form of uniform my entire adult life. I enjoy serving my community, whether it is in camo or French Blues.”
Coming home after a 10-month deployment was almost surreal. “When I returned home, it took maybe three weeks for me to believe I was actually home with my wife and family. The outpouring of support and love that I received from family, friends, coworkers, etc. was unbelievable! After a little over three weeks off after the deployment, I was more than ready to return to work.”

Welcome home and thank you for your service Troopers Flanagan and Pusey! Semper Aequus!