News Release

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.

On Friday, May 20, 2022, 68 police cadets graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.

The 41st BLETP is the largest graduating class in the program’s history. The 18-week intensive residential training program teaches and trains the cadets to deal with the rigors of the job.

The class began in January with 71 cadets. 68 cadets ranging from age 21 to 53, graduated Friday including 11 females and the first female to be elected class president, Kelsey Jacobs of the Buxton Police Department.  
 
The 41st BLETP represents 43 State, Municipal, and County law enforcement agencies that span from Caribou to Kittery. 
 
Family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers filled the parade deck to watch as the graduates were given their diplomas and badges to become the newest law enforcement officers in Maine.
 
 
Please joins us in wishing Maine’s newest law enforcement officers a safe, successful, and rewarding career.
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.
 
On Saturday, May 14, 2022, at approximately 10:00 p.m. Maine State Police Sgt. Aaron Turcotte attempted to stop a vehicle that was traveling from Hermon inbound towards Bangor on Route 222/Union Street for traveling more than 100 MPH. The driver of the 2011 Ford Fusion failed to stop and after it started making dangerous passes, Sgt. Turcotte out of an abundance of caution made the decision to terminate the pursuit. The suspect vehicle was later found crashed into a garage on Randolph Street in Bangor and the driver had fled the scene. An investigation determined that the driver of the car was 19-year-old Preston Kay of Brewer who had a suspended driver’s license and active outstanding warrants for his arrest. Police located Kay hiding inside the garage. He was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center with minor injuries. Kay has since been released from the hospital. He has been arrested and charged with Eluding an Officer, Operating Under the Influence, Operating after Suspension, and Criminal Speed.  
 

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 2

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 1

# of DV Arrests – 1

More news from the week prior…

05-01-22

Trooper Travis Chapman stopped a vehicle on Route 1 in Sullivan. As a result of the roadside investigation the operator Tony Bates (44) of Belfast was arrested for Operating Under the Influence. A drug recognition evaluation was conducted, and Tony was suspected to be under the influence of drugs. Tony was charged with Operating Under the Influence of Drugs and Possession of a Schedule W Drug. Sergeant Gavin Endre assisted

05-07-22

Trooper Travis Chapman responded to a fatal car versus motorcycle crash in TWP 22. The operator of the motorcycle, Charles Brown (49) of Indian Township was pronounced deceased on scene. The operator of the other vehicle, Daniel Lyons (46) of Veazie had fled the scene on foot and was apprehended after a search of the area. Daniel was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and was subsequently arrested for class B Operating Under the Influence and Class A Manslaughter. Corporal Blaine Silk, Troopers Josh Lander, Jarid Leonard, Taylor Dube and his K9 partner assisted on scene as well as Warden Alan Curtis, Maine DOT and the Osborn Fire Department.

Trooper Kim Sawyer summonsed Dustin Ramsdell (28) of Calais for breaking the driver’s side window on a vehicle while in Princeton.

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This week’s news….

05-10-22

Sergeant Jeff Ingemi responded to a rollover crash in Jonesport and as a result of the investigation Damian Reyes (20) of Jonesport, was summonsed for Operating after Suspension.

05-11-22

Trooper Owen Reed responded to a theft complaint in Brooksville where an antique sink was reported stolen.  Investigation continues.

05-12-22

Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a motor vehicle stop in Baring Township. Walter Tomah (39) of Indian Township was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle with an Expired Registration Exceeding 150 days.

05-14-22

Brian Colby (64) of Bucksport and Brandi Rossell (41) of Hudson were involved in a single vehicle motorcycle crash. Brian and Brandi were travelling southbound on Route 9 in Crawford. They approached a sharp curve and Brian lost control of his motorcycle. Brian suffered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Brandi suffered serious injuries. It’s not yet known if her injuries are fatal. Trooper Leonard is conducting an ongoing investigation. Downeast EMS, Life Flight, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments assisted.

Trooper Miles Carpenter responded to a civil complaint in Franklin. While on scene, he discovered a camper that was stolen out of Ohio. Trooper Carpenter recovered the stolen camper and summonsed Lisa Brooke Saunders (40) of Michigan for theft of services.

Trooper Travis Chapman and Sergeant Gavin Endre responded to the intersection of Macquinn Road and Douglas Highway in Lamoine. A passerby reported a male operator was passed out in his vehicle at the stop sign. The operator of the vehicle, Joseph Fallica (31) of Lamoine, was arrested and charged with Operating Under the Influence.

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.

On Saturday May 14, 2022 at approximately  5:00 p.m. Maine State Police responded to a single vehicle motorcycle crash in Crawford. Initial investigation determined that the driver 64-year-old Brian Colby of Bucksport and his passenger 41-year-old Brandi Rossell of Hudson were traveling southbound on Route 9 in Crawford when Colby lost control of his motorcycle. Colby and Rossell both suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Maine State Police Troopers continue to investigate the crash.

Downeast EMS, Life Flight, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments assisted on scene.
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.

On Friday, May 13, 2022, at approximately 1:15 p.m. Maine State Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Saco Road in Hollis. Once on scene Troopers determined that a 2007 Toyota Yaris, operated by 75-year-old Robert Smith of Hollis was traveling eastbound when he lost control of his car and crashed onto a property in the area of the 300 block on Saco Road. Smith’s brother, a passenger in the car was able to gain control of the steering wheel and prevent the car from crashing into the residence. Hollis Fire and Rescue Departments responded to the scene and attempted to stabilize Smith. He did not survive. It appears that Smith had a medical event that led to the crash. 

The Maine State Police would like to extend our condolences to Robert Smith’s family and friends. 
 

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!
 

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.

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.
 

# 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.

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 1

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 2

04-18-22

Trooper Kim Sawyer summonsed Joel Fickett (62) of Marshfield for Operating After Suspension, Class E after a traffic stop for an expired registration (8/31/2021) on RT 191 in Meddybemps.  Joel’s inspection had expired in 5/2009, and he was unable to provide an insurance card.  His vehicle was towed.

04-19-22

Trooper Einar Mattson received a complaint of a missing person in Dedham. Subsequently James Melanson (62) of Dedham was located and arrested for Violation of Bail Conditions.

Corporal Jeff Taylor investigated a report of property damage on the Tunk Lake Road in Sullivan. Several mailboxes had been run over during the night. Investigation continues.

04-22-22

Trooper Owen Reed responded to a theft reported in Blue Hill. It was reported a large amount of jewelry stolen from a vehicle. Investigation continues.

04-23-22

Trooper Kim Sawyer arrested Ashton O’Reilly (22) of Calais for Operating Under the Influence after a traffic crash in on RT 191 in Meddybemps.