Troop C

On April 18, 2022, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Tpr. Murray conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation at mile marker 124 northbound, on I-95 in Waterville. After observing several indicators of criminal activity, Murray conducted a roadside investigation. As a result, Troopers learned that the occupants Michael A. Bridges, 49, and Elizabeth Cole, 31, were in possession of 880 grams of fentanyl, already packaged for re-distribution.

Trooper Eric Bronson and Waterville PD Officer Makayla Hodge assisted in the investigation. The pair were charged with Class A - Aggravated Trafficking. Bridges was also charged with Violation Conditions of Release. The pair were taken to Kennebec County Jail.

UPDATE: Troopers have determined that the cause of the crash was the driver of the sedan failing to yield to oncoming traffic as they merged onto I-95 from exit 130. The Maine State Police would like to remind the motoring public that they are obligated to give way to traffic that is already traveling on the interstate. 

The Maine State Police responded to a crash on Interstate 95 at mile 129 south in Waterville that involved a car vs tractor trailer. Traffic on the interstate was momentarily at a standstill while fire and ems personnel provided medical care to those involved. Law enforcement worked quickly to open up one lane of travel to alleviate traffic congestion. Minor non-life threatening injuries were report to the occupants inside the vehicle and they were transported to Thayer Hospital in Waterville for further evaluation. The case is still under investigation and no further details are available for release. 

The Maine State Police would like to thank the Waterville Fire Department, Waterville Police Department, Maine Warden Service and Maine DOT for assisting them while on scene.
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 8:01 a.m. Franklin County Regional Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a single motor vehicle crash on Weld Rd. (Route 156) in Phillips. Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the crash as well as NorthStar Ambulance and local fire departments to render aid. Deputies requested the resources of the Maine State Police to respond due to the serious nature of the crash. A team of Troopers from Troop C responded and were notified that a 15-year-old male passenger from Dixfield was killed in the crash. A second passenger, 18-year-old Charlie Billings of Carthage, and the driver, 18-year-old Benjamin Carrol of Dixfield were both transported to Franklin Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Preliminary investigative information suggests that Carrol, who was driving a 2002 Nissan Maxima went off the right side of the roadway and struck several large trees. Speed is being considered as a contributing factor in this crash, however, it is still under investigation by the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Team.
 

From the Desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Monday, August 6, 2021 at 12:15 p.m. a Maine State Police Trooper attempted to stop a black 2016 Chevy Camaro on Interstate 95 at mile marker 149 southbound in Pittsfield for speeding, aggressive driving and false attachment of registration plates.

The operator, later identified as 46-year-old Kirk Grover of Wales, failed to stop and led Troopers on a pursuit where it exited the interstate in Clinton at exit 138. Troopers attempted to end the pursuit when the vehicle left the roadway but it was able regain control and continued to flee. The pursuit continued onto the Hinkley Road where Grover stopped on his own at the intersection of Hinkley Road and Canaan Road in Clinton. Kirk was found to have numerous active arrest warrants for Theft by Unauthorized Taking, Theft by Deception, Violation of Bail and Home Repair Fraud. He was out on bail conditions and had a suspended driver’s license.

The Camaro was determined to be stolen out of the city of Auburn two weeks ago when Grover took it for a test drive and failed to return it to the dealership. It was factory red, but Grover spray painted the entire vehicle black in order to conceal its original color. Kirk’s passenger 32-year-old Victoria Stockwell of Lewiston was uninjured during the incident. Grover was transported to the Somerset County Jail and has been charged with criminal speed, driving to endanger, eluding, operating on a suspended license, attaching false plates, and violations of conditions of release.

Maine State Police were assisted by Fairfield and Clinton Police Departments.
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, at approximately 8:45 hours a.m. State Troopers from Troop C responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on I-95 in the town of Pittsfield. The preliminary investigation reveals that a 2005 Nissan Altima driven by 28-year-old Kaitlyn Hawkes of Eastport and her passenger, 33-year-old Tiffany Bowen of Pembroke were southbound in the travel lane when Hawkes tried to change directions north. Hawkes attempted to use the crossover and entered the passing lane to do so. At that point, a truck driven by 32-year-old Richard Pillsbury of Winslow was driving in the passing lane and was unable to avoid hitting Hawkes’ vehicle. 

Hawkes was transported to Sebasticook Valley Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Bowen was life-flighted to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Pillsbury was uninjured in the crash. 

Hawkes has been charged with Aggravated Driving to Endanger and Operating with an Expired License. 
Anyone that witnessed the crash is urged to contact the Maine State Police and speak with Trooper Garret Booth. 

As Troopers continue to investigate the crash, we would like to remind motorists that using crossovers is not permitted for any reason whatsoever and is highly dangerous to everyone driving on the interstate. Please drive responsibly and if you miss your exit, proceed to the next off-ramp and reroute yourself to get to your destination safely. 
 

George “GJ” Neagle III was recently promoted to Sergeant in Troop D. Cpl. Neagle is a 7-year-veteran who previously served 11 years patrolling with the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He has served his entire State Police career in Troop C where he was promoted to Corporal in 2019, and recently served 7 months as acting-capacity Sergeant.

Cpl. Neagle is a Tactical Team Operator, K9 handler and trainer, Firearms Instructor, and has served as a Field Training Officer. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards including Maine Sheriff’s Association Deputy of the Year 2012, Maine State Police K9 Team of the Year 2015, Trooper of the Year nominee 2015 and 2019, and a Maine State Police Bravery Award 2020.

From desk of Shannon Moss

A motorcycle crash closed I-95 briefly while the occupants were transported to area hospitals with life threatening injuries. 

At approximately 1:50 p.m., Maine State Police from Troop C were dispatched to a motorcycle crash in the northbound lane of I-95 near mile marker 114 in Augusta. The motorcycle was carrying two occupants, a male driver and a female passenger, who have not been identified. Both were LifeFlighted to Portland. Both occupants were not wearing helmets.

Troopers were assisted by Augusta Fire and Rescue on the scene.

The cause of the crash is thought to be a mechanical malfunction. Both lanes were closed while the accident was cleared. 
 

On March 3, 2021, Troopers from Troop C responded to a report of a crash involving two tractor trailers in the area of mile 154 southbound. Preliminary investigation shows that a tractor trailer driven by Metho Nelson, 34, of New York, NY struck another tractor trailer truck driven by Stewart Hallett, 63, of Mars Hill, Maine. Minor injuries were sustained by both drivers however both tractor trailers require removal by heavy wreckers and the interstate is down to one line in this area. Maine DOT has posted signs advising drivers of this. Please use caution passing the area as work crews will remain on scene overnight until both vehicles can be removed safely. 

Anyone that may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Trooper Garret Booth of Maine State Police Troop C by calling 207-624-7076 x9.
 

Two people are dead and several others injured following a motor vehicle crash in Sandy River Plantation.

On February 1, 2021, at approximately 8:45 p.m., a gray 2017 Toyota Avalon, driven and occupied by Karl Crute, 79, and his wife Laraine Crute, 79, from Cushing, were traveling north on Rt 4 in Sandy River Plantation when a black 2009 Pontiac G6 was traveling south, driven and occupied by Kaylee Knight, 18, of Chesterville and four teenaged passengers. The two vehicles struck each other and as a result two of the passengers in the vehicle driven by Knight were killed: Thomas Deckard-Madore, 17, of Strong; and Michaela Morgan, 15, of Phillips. 

The Crutes, along with one other passenger of the Pontiac, remain hospitalized and are being treated for serious injuries. The Maine State Police continue to investigate the crash and causation factors. They were assisted by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Rangeley Police Department, Farmington Police Department, Somerset Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, and other multiple fire and rescue agencies from the surrounding areas.

We are saddened by this tragic incident and our condolences are extended to the families of everyone involved.

Maine State Police out of Troop C are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this man who is involved in using a stolen credit card. These photos are of the same individual on two separate days using the stolen card at the Dollar General in Kingfield. Anyone with information on the identity of this male should call Maine State Police – Troop C (207)-624-7076 ext. 9 and leave a message for Trooper Randy Hall.