Waterville Police

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.

Maine State Police Major Crimes Central arrested Kierra Francis, 28, of Bronx New York, and charged her with Felony Murder in relation to a homicide that occurred in early October of 2020. Francis was a passenger in a vehicle that Waterville Police was attempting to stop so State Police Detectives could take Francis into custody. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop for Waterville officers.  
 
Joshua Martin, 30, also of NY was shot to death at a Winthrop residence in October of 2020. State Police Detectives have been working over the past several months furthering the progression of this case. The investigation continues. There are no further details at this time.
 

Waterville Police Detectives and State Police Major Crimes Detectives continue to investigate a shooting occurring on Western Ave in Waterville on Jan. 2, 2021.  

A 911 call was received at the Waterville Police Department at approximately 11:52 a.m.  Waterville Police responded and were later assisted by Maine State Police Major Crimes - Central.  A 2-year-old male was initially transported to Thayer Hospital in Waterville with a gunshot wound to the head.  He was later transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland.  He is listed in critical condition at this time.

Investigation revealed one of the three siblings living in the home found the gun that was secured in a closet, loaded it, and a round was fired.  Police continue to investigate the incident and monitor the status of the juvenile. 
 

Maine State Police and Waterville Police are currently responding to a person discharging a firearm in Waterville. Police are asking Media who wish to report on the incident to stage at the Waterville Police Station for safety reasons.  We do not have a scheduled conference but will provide more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE: State and Waterville Police say at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Oct. 23, investigators from the two departments discovered a body in the basement of 32 Gold Street. The body was removed a short time ago and transported to the Medical Examiners (ME) Office in Augusta. The ME’s Office will begin work on the identification and cause of death on Thursday, Oct. 24. The two agencies will continue the investigation throughout the day.

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Waterville Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a young Waterville mother who was last seen Tuesday morning.   29 year old Melissa Sousa of 32 Gold Street was last seen about 8:30 AM Tuesday putting her two children on a school bus by her house.  Friends reported her missing last night and Waterville Police asked State Police to assist them in the investigation later in the evening. 

Melissa is five feet tall, weighs 125 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.  She lives at the duplex home with 28 year old Nicholas Lovejoy and they are the parents of eight year old twin girls.  A team of State Police detectives and evidence technicians are in Waterville and have joined  Waterville Police in the investigation.   Anyone who has seen Sousa or has information on her whereabouts is asked to call Waterville Police at 207-680-4700 extension 4513.

Lovejoy was arrested by Waterville Police around midnight after his SUV was stopped on Summer St.  Waterville Police charged him with having a loaded rifle in the car and endangering the welfare of a child. Police said he had left his children alone at the home.   Lovejoy was interviewed at the Waterville Police Department this morning and has cooperated with investigators .  He was later taken to the Kennebec County Jail, where he is being held in lieu of $2,000 bail.