Troop B

Maine State Police are looking into an assault and possible road rage incident that occurred at the intersection of Biddeford and Sanford Road in Alfred.
 
One of the involved vehicles, a black SUV, had a man and woman who got out and punched the driver of a white Dodge Ram in the face several times before spraying him with Mace. They then left, continuing on Route 202 near the intersection heading toward Sanford. The man is described as 
approximately 5'10" dirty blonde hair around 170 lbs. with a scruffy beard. The female was short and skinny with large glasses, and blonde hair. Both estimated by the victim to be around 30 years old. Attached are images from Harry’s in Sanford of an SUV that came up in the investigation. If you have any information regarding this case please contact Trooper Luke Broderick at Luke.A.Broderick@maine.gov or 624-7076 option 9. 

On Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at approximately 7:40 am, Troopers responded to a minor two-vehicle crash at Exit 6B southbound on Interstate 295 in Portland. That crash given it’s location caused traffic to back up into Falmouth.

At 8:20 am, due to that initial crash Troopers responded to a secondary crash in the southbound #1 lane on Tukey’s Bridge on Interstate 295 in Portland. During the heavy commuter traffic a 2016 Toyota Rav 4 driven by 20-year-old Jessica Bryant of Brunswick struck the rear of a GMC pick-up truck which pushed the driver into the breakdown median.   Bryant’s vehicle continued southbound and struck a Toyota 4 runner which struck a small Kia sedan.  The Toyota 4 runner was then pushed into a Subaru which was being driven in lane #2.   Bryant’s Toyota Rav 4 was disabled and remained in the #1 passing lane while other vehicles were pushed toward the breakdown lane.  Portland Police and Fire arrived on scene and assisted with injuries to Bryant.  She was eventually transported to Maine Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.  Troopers arrived on scene and managed the commuter traffic by “cruiser pushing” Bryant’s disabled vehicle which was blocking all southbound traffic to the breakdown lane where it was later towed by Stewart’s and Maietta’s towing. The goal for emergency personnel is to clear roadway as soon as possible to get traffic flowing and reduce secondary crashes. 

Witnesses reported that Bryant was using her cell phone prior to the crash and was a contributing factor to the major crash.  

Bryant was interviewed at the hospital by investigating Troopers and summonsed for Operating motor vehicle while improperly using a handheld electronic device or mobile telephone.
 

Trooper Jamo, Trooper Nadeau and Sgt Bureau participated in a safety check detail on Meadow Hill Road in the Town of Greene, in recognition of the All American Buckle Up Week. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recognizing May 23rd to June 5th as the “Click it or Ticket” campaign across the United States. 

During the detail Troopers checked 134 vehicles, issued 11 warnings for seatbelts, 1 summons for seatbelt, 1 summons for distracted driving and 2 other summonses for other offences. Dozens of other warnings were issued for other traffic offences. It should be noted that the driver that was issued a summons for distracted driving, was not slowing down when approaching a Trooper signaling to stop. The driver was looking down at a cell phone and did not see the Trooper giving hand signals. 

Troop B wants to remind drivers to put down their phone, buckle up and have a safe Memorial Day Weekend. 
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at approximately 2:55 p.m., the Maine State Police responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash, which occurred on Federal Road. (Rt. 4) in Livermore, just north of the intersection of Canton Road. (Rt. 108).  The road is currently shut down and has been since 3:00 p.m. for reconstruction purposes. 

Traffic is currently being re-directed at the intersection of Route 4 and Bear Pond Road in Turner. A total of four occupants were involved in the crash. They were all transported to the Central Maine Medical Center for moderate to serious injuries. Their identities are being withheld at this time pending notification to their families. The cause of the crash is still being investigated. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to reach out to Trooper Nicholas Watson at 207-624-7076 (option 9) or Nicholas.e.watson@maine.gov. 

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, the Livermore Fire Department, the Turner Fire Department, and NorthStar Rescue are all assisting on scene.
 

Five people have been arrested after authorities executed a search warrant on a residence in Oxford. 

On March 16, 2022,  Investigators from State Police obtained a search warrant for a residence in the town of Oxford as part of the March 4th investigation involving Ethan Rioux-Poulios.  State Police, working with Oxford Police and FBI Safestreets Task Force arrived at a residence in Oxford in the afternoon on March 16th.  When law enforcement arrived and attempted contact, two people tried to exit through a rear window but were met by law enforcement.  Upon entry by law enforcement, three people were located in a residence with a suspected drug trafficking and drug manufacturing operation.  State Police Investigators worked to obtain an additional search warrant for drugs and drug trafficking equipment.  While the search warrant was being reviewed the two homeowners arrived and were met by law enforcement on scene. 

After the search warrant was approved, State Police along with Oxford Police, FBI Safestreets Task Force and Norway Police searched the residence, occupants and vehicles in Oxford.  Located during the search was 195 grams fentanyl, 40 grams cocaine, $4,990 suspected drug proceeds, as well as other drug trafficking and manufacturing equipment.  Law enforcement also discovered suspects appeared to be manufacturing cocaine base inside the residence.  All five people at the residence were arrested:

• Homeowner - Matthew Robare (45 y/o male from Oxford)
• Homeowner – Julie Coolidge (48 y/o female from Oxford)
• Kendra Talbot (42 y/o female from Oxford)
• Darlene Thomas (50 y/o female from Otisfield)
• Joshua Appleby (37 y/o male from Woodstock)

All five were charged with Aggravated Trafficking Fentanyl and Trafficking Cocaine.  Talbot was additionally charged with Violating Conditions of Release as she is already out on 2-sets of bail conditions.  Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.  

The State Police will continue to work with our federal and local partners to stop the ongoing importation and sale of illegal, and harmful drugs in our rural communities.
 

On 02/09/2022  Corporal Kristy LiBritz assisted Oxford County with a domestic disturbance in Porter. It was called in by a third-party family member.  When units arrived, the female stated they had a verbal argument but was not willing to write any statement. The male, Joshua Towle (30),  was on conditions of release and was in violation being at the residence and having contact with the female. The male was arrested and transported to the Oxford County Jail.

On 02/09/2022  Corporal Kristy LiBritz stopped a vehicle on Route 113 in Standish for an expired inspection sticker and registration. There was a 32-year-old female and young child in the vehicle. The female was cooperative and admitted she never had a license. She explained the child’s father passed away a few months ago and she was trying to take care of his vehicle as it was registered to him. The female was summonsed for operating without a license and issued a Bridgton court date. Arraignments were made and her mother picked them up.

On 02/14/2022  Tr. Nilsen stopped a vehicle on Rt 108 for speed. The driver had a warrant and was taken to Androscoggin County Jail without incident. 

On 02/16/2022  Corporal Kristy LiBritz stopped a vehicle on Route 117 in Bridgton with a headlight out. There were two occupants and the passenger had a valid license. The male operator was suspended for failure to pay fines. He was summonsed accordingly, and the female drove from the scene.

On 02/17/2022 Trooper Willard stopped a vehicle for a moving violation.  The registration was found to be suspended for tolls and the operator, Nicholas Dimatteo owed $75.00 and was summonsed accordingly.

On 02/17/2022 Trooper Willard stopped a vehicle for a vehicle defect on the 44 south bound approach.  The operator Nichole Martin was found to be operating on a suspended driver’s license due in part to former medical issues.  She was summonsed accordingly, and she found a licensed driver to drive her vehicle.

On 02/17/2022  Tr. Knight stopped a vehicle for a loud exhaust in Cornish. The operator, Brooke Christy, had an active warrant for Theft. Brooke was arrested on the warrant without incident.

On 02/18/2022  Corporal Kristy LiBritz was in route to the barracks when she came across a Cumberland County Deputy on a traffic stop on Boundary Road in Standish.  There were two occupants and it was determined the male driver was on conditions of release for drug violations. Part of his conditions were not to have contact with the female in the vehicle. The male was arrested, and the female did not have a license. Corporal LiBritz cleared as the female passenger was making arraignments for someone to pick up her and the vehicle.

On 02/18/2022  Tr. Watson assisted Oxford PD with a domestic dispute that occurred at the Wal Mart. The male party left prior to arrival. Tr. Watson met with him at the Oxford Elementary School. He was charged by Oxford PD for criminal mischief.

On 02/18/2022  Corporal Kristy LiBritz stopped a vehicle on Route 35 in Standish for an expired inspection sticker. The 18-year-old female was on her way to school and stated she just got her license back, so she didn’t have the physical one.  The female was suspended for an administrative action for accumulation of convictions on a provisional license. She was summonsed accordingly, and her parents came and picked up her and the vehicle.

On 02/18/2022  Tr. Watson stopped a car for no front plate and an expired inspection sticker on Rt. 121 in Oxford. The vehicle was seen leaving a residence both Tr. Det. Wing and Fillebrown had executed search warrants on. The driver, Richard Labay (44) was found to be suspended and the plates were inactive. The vehicle was towed and Labay was charged accordingly.

On 02/19/2022 Tr. Knight and Cpl. Casey received a late report of a burglary on Sebago Rd in Hiram. The residence is a summer home of an out-of-state elderly couple. The suspect(s) used a crowbar to gain entry and trashed the interior of the home. It is unknown at this time if anything was stolen.

On 02/19/2022  Tr. Watson stopped a car for no front plate, no sticker, and multiple violations on the Sanders Rd. in Livermore. When Tr. Watson went to turn on the vehicle, the operator accelerated and took the first road he could off Rt. 4 in an attempt to get away. He appeared to have turned too fast, hit a patch of ice, and got stuck in a snowbank. The operator was identified as Joshua Osborne (41) out of Industry. He was determined to be suspended. The plates were pulled off the vehicle after he admitted the car should not be on the road and knew it would never pass an inspection. It was towed by Allie Bonds. Osborne was charged accordingly.

On 2/21/2022  Corporal Kristy LiBritz conducted a school visit at Lisbon Falls Christian Academy. There were school playoff games for volleyball and basketball. Shortly after arrival, the top judge made contact with Corporal LiBritz and requested rescue be started to evaluate a 70-year-old line judge. He was overheating and was diabetic. Rescue arrived on scene and evaluated him. They recommended he rest for the rest of the evening and not overdo it.

# of School Visits conducted – 1                                # of Use of Force Incidents – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0                                       # of Minimum Shifts used – 1

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0                                           # of DV Arrests – 0

Troop B Weekly Report

Week Beginning: 01/31/2022 – 02/06/2022

On 1/31/21, Troopers Willard and Watson along with Troop Detective Wing assisted Westbrook Police and Oxford with Domestic Violence Assault that occurred in Westbrook.  Westbrook Police Department had contacted Oxford Sheriff’s Office to travel to 376 Merrill Hill Road in Hebron to locate and arrest William Currier for the DV assault. The Troopers ultimately found Currier and placed him under arrest.  Currier was transported to Gray to meet with Westbrook PD so that they could interview Currier and finalize their case.

On 02/01/22 Tr. Nilsen stopped a vehicle on Hacket Mills Rd for an expired inspection sticker. The operator was Ryan Bortell-Jurczak.  Ryan stated he knew the inspection was expired. Ryan admitted the plates did not match the registration. The plates were removed, and Ryan was summonsed for Improper Plates.

On 02/01/22 Tr. Nilsen stopped a vehicle on Minot Ave for an expired inspection sticker and loud exhaust. The operator was Jeremy Davis. Jeremy’s license was suspended for a few months. The vehicle was towed, and Jeremy was summonsed for OAS.     

On 02/03/22 Tr. Lemieux was traveling on Old Brunswick Road in Durham. He observed a solo vehicle quickly approaching him. On radar he saw the vehicle traveling 65mph in a posted 35mph zone. He stopped the vehicle and cited the driver appropriately.

On 02/05/22 Tr. Knight, Lemieux and Deputy Cummings did an OUI saturation detail in Bethel. Several motor vehicles were stopped and OUI tests were performed.

On 02/05/22 Tr. Gleaton was dispatched to a complaint of erratic operation on 295N. After talking with the complainant and observing the same vehicle operating erratically, Tr. Gleaton pulled over the vehicle operated by R. Blair Nevers. Nevers was unable to perform SFSTs due to his intoxication. Tr. Gleaton brought Nevers to Topsham PD for a breath test. Nevers was issued a USAC for OUI.

On 2/6/21 at 0106 hours, Trooper Willard responded to the area of mile post 17 north along I295 for a single vehicle rollover that was given to Freeport Police (originally the call had been shown at 18 NB).  Trooper Willard who was still out on patrol arrived on scene to find a red Toyota sedan on its side in the median.  Both occupants were wearing their seat belts and neither sustained any injuries.  The operator, Lindsey Anderson of Brunswick was found to be operating under the influence of alcohol.  Anderson was charged with OUI – Alcohol and released to her mother.  Yarmouth and Freeport Police assisted with the crash. 

# of School Visits conducted – 0                                # of Use of Force Incidents – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 2                                       # of OUI Drug Arrests – 0                             

# of DV Arrests – 0

Troop B  Weekly Report

Week Beginning: 01/24/2022 – 01/30/2022

On 01/25/22 Tr. Gleaton was near the tolls on 295 south. A vehicle registered by Patrick Bruce had an expired registration. After running the plate, the plate came back as suspended due to failure to pay tolls. BRUCE indicated he had been out of the state for six months and had recently returned. BRUCE said he was on his way to Massachusetts. BRUCE was issued a VSAC for failure to register.

On 01/26/22 Tr. Watson covered two personal injury crashes in Turner. One two-vehicle crash which an operator was transported to CMMC for neck and back pain. The other was a three-car crash with minor injuries.

On 01/27/22 Tr. Young observed a vehicle traveling West on Rt 2 failing to dim its high beams and traveling well under the posted speed limit of 55 mph, impeding traffic behind it. A traffic stop was conducted, and contact was made with the operator Maile Buker of Portland. Several indicators of intoxication were observed. After completion of standardized field sobriety Maile was transported to the Bethel sub-station for breath test. Maile was summonsed for OUI Alcohol. 

On 01/29/22 Tr. Lemieux was traveling on Broadway Street in South Portland. He saw a single vehicle quickly approaching him at a speed greater than the posted speed limit of 40mph. Tr Lemieux saw on radar the vehicle traveling 76mph. Tr. Lemieux stopped the vehicle cited the juvenile operator appropriately.

On 01/30/22 Tr. Watson stopped a vehicle on Rt 126 with multiple defects. The operator did not have a current license in the State of Maine and the registration was suspended. The operator was charged accordingly.

On 01/30/22 Tr. Gleaton stopped to assist a 10-59 that had run out of gas near Exit 8 on 295n. The registered owner, who had a similar appearance to the driver, came back as revoked. The driver was the registered owner’s brother, DAN PEREZ, who was suspended. There was a passenger in the car with an active license. PEREZ was issued a VSAC.

On 01/31/22 a vehicle operated by Bernard Yatshi came up behind Tr. Gleaton going 71 mph in a 55-mph zone. YATSHI was on his way to work with another passenger, BENJAMIN OTSHUDI, who told me that he did not have a license. The driver was unable to produce insurance for the vehicle, and the inspection sticker expired. YATSHI was charged with Operating without a License and warned for the 29-A violations.

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 1                                       # of OUI Drug Arrests – 0                             

# of DV Arrests – 0

Troop B Weekly Report

Week Beginning: 01/17/2022 – 01/23/2022

On 01/14/22 Tr. Watson stopped a vehicle with no plates on the Spec Pond Rd in Porter. After speaking with the company owner and driver, multiple citations were issued.

On 01/15/22 Tr. Watson stopped a car on Rt. 4 in Turner with an expired inspection sticker. The operator had a suspended license and was charged accordingly.

On 01/19/22 Tr. Gleaton was dispatched to a crash. The driver of one of the vehicles, JACKIE PIASECKI, had the smell of intoxicants emanating from her facial region, slurred speech, and was uncooperative. PIASECKI had a condition q on her license. She was brought to Portland PD for an intox test. PIASEKCI was issued a summons for OUI and Operating without a License.

On 01/20/22 Tr. Gleaton was running registrations at the tolls on 295 south. A vehicle registered by Thomas Tureen was suspended due to tolls. TUREEN credibly stated that he did not know that his registration was suspended. TUREEN was issued a VSAC for failure to register.

On 01/20/22 Tr. Gleaton was passed by a vehicle traveling 83 mph on 295s in a 65-mph zone. The driver, CARINE NUNGA, was the only occupant of the vehicle. The vehicle had temporary plates that expired in December 21. NUNGA had a learner’s permit and was operating without a licensed passenger. She was issued a USAC and warned for the speed and failure to register.

On 01/21/22 Tr. Young observed a vehicle with his radar on Sunday River Road at 67 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. Tr. Young got turned around and observed the vehicle make two lane violations and follow the vehicle in front of it too closely. The vehicle reached an intersection where it failed to obey a stop sign, crashing into another vehicle, resulting in property damage only. The male operator of the offending vehicle Samuel Donegan (29) from Minnesota was uncooperative, and subsequently arrested based on several impairment indicators. Donegan was transported to Oxford County Jail for a breath test. Donegan was charged with criminal OUI and driving to endanger, and other motor vehicle violations. 

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 2                                       # of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 0

On 01/16/2022 Tr. Lemieux took Exit 3 into South Portland. He came across a disabled motor vehicle. He approached and found a passenger sleeping. It was then found out the vehicle was stolen out of S. Portland. The passenger said the vehicle ran out of gas and the driver was at the Irving. South Portland Officers including Sgt. Pappas and Tr. Flynn checked the area. The driver (female juvenile) was located and placed under arrest. The juvenile was a suspect in several stolen vehicles that occurred this week in South Portland and in Portland.

On 01/15/2022  Tr. Young observed a green pickup truck traveling east on Rt 2 at a high rate of speed and used his radar to see the vehicle traveling at 77mph in a posted 55mph zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and contact was made with the operator Joseph Dillon (20). Signs of intoxication were observed to include glassy bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, the odor of intoxicating liquor, and 4 full beer cans on the passenger seat floor. Joseph admitted to consuming alcohol and acknowledged he is under 21. Field sobriety tests were completed, and Joseph was arrested. Joseph was taken to the Bethel Substation for breath testing. Joseph was charged with OUI and operating without a license.   

On 01/16/2022 Sgt. Farley took a complaint of a well-being check in Porter. The caller was reporting she believed that a male who had bail conditions to not have contact with his baby was currently with him. Sgt. Farley responded to the residence and made contact with the male. The baby was asleep in another room. The male was charged accordingly. DHHS had already been notified by the caller.

On 1/14/2021, Trooper Willard responded to 3.5 NB along I-295 for a single vehicle into the median.  The driver was reported to be breathing but unresponsive.  He was transported to Maine Medical Center for treatment and was expected to be okay.  At this time, it is believed the driver suffered a medical event prior to the crash.

On 01/14/2022 Sgt. Hanson responded to a serious PI crash involving a Pickup versus a Snowmobile in Buckfield.  The Snowmobile was attempting to cross the roadway from trail to trail when it was struck by the pickup.  Sgt. Hanson completed a reconstruction for the crash.  No speed or alcohol were involved. 

On 01/13/2022 Tr. Knight conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in Oxford after it ran a red light. The operator, Amy Boutilier, was found to have a suspended license and an active warrant for FTA for criminal attempt and VCR. Amy was arrested on the warrant and charged accordingly.

On 01/14/2022 Tr. Watson stopped a vehicle on Rt 4 with no inspection sticker. The driver, Jarrod Sawyer was determined to be have a revoked habitual offender license status with priors. He was also on bail. After investigation he was charged accordingly.

On 01/14/2022 Tr. Nilsen stopped a vehicle on Center Bridge Road for an expired inspection sticker. The operator was Kyle Ruona who had a revoked license. Kyle’s friend had a valid license and drove home. Kyle was summonsed for OAS.    

On 01/15/2022  Tr. Watson assisted Oxford County with a file 1 that had been located at 210 Bonney Rd. in Sumner. The suspect, William Currier was initial uncooperative with Oxford County on scene. The vehicle was recovered, and Oxford County took primary on the investigation

On 1/13/2021, Trooper Willard stopped ME BH 254BBA for operating with a suspended registration just south of the 44 tolls.  The operator owed toll money to the MTA and was summonsed accordingly.

On 1/13/2021, Trooper Willard stopped a vehicle for operating with a suspended registration just north of the 44 tolls.  The operator owed toll money to the MTA.  He was summonsed accordingly.

On 1/15/2021, Trooper Willard stopped a vehicle at mile post 1 for a suspended registration.  The operator Courtney Caiaccia was summonsed accordingly.

On 01/11/2022  Tr. Young observed a vehicle with his radar on 26 in Greenwood traveling at 74 in a posted 50mph zone. The blue car also had no registration plate affixed to either side of the vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted, and contact was made with the operator Jesse Sawyer (27) from Vermont. Jesse said he’s recently moved to Maine and his VT Temp tag has expired. Jesse was summonsed with operating unregistered motor vehicle and other motor vehicle violations. 

On 01/11/2022  Tr. Young observed a red pickup truck traveling at a high rate of speed and used his radar to see the vehicle was traveling at 98mph in a posted 65mph zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and contact was made with the operator Aron Smith (32). Aron was summonsed accordingly for his speed and released. 

On 01/15/2022  Tr. Nilsen stopped a vehicle on Kennie Drive for an expired inspection sticker and a cracked windshield. The operator was Owen Merola. The license plates did not match the vehicle description and were from a friend’s car. Owen was summonsed for Improper Plates.