Maine State Police

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.
 

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 1

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 0

08-29-22

Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a traffic enforcement detail on Route 3 in Trenton. Distracted drivers were stopped for manipulating a cellular device while in heavy traffic. Many of those motorists were issued summonses for using a handheld device while driving a motor vehicle.

Trooper Jarid Leonard is investigating a report in Brookton Township. It was reported someone kicked in the front door to a camp. Currently the investigation is ongoing.

08-30-22

On August 29, 2022, Trooper Leonard, Sergeant Ryan, and Corporal Taylor responded to Marden's in Calais. Sergeant Ryan responded to an alarm and found the front windows had been smashed in with a rock. While en route, Trooper Leonard found a male walking away from the scene on North Street in Calais. His name was David Dean (44) of Baileyville. Marden's supplied a photo of the suspect from their store video. David matched the description down to his clothing and facial characteristics. David was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail for:

-             Burglary, Class C

-             Aggravated Criminal Mischief, Class C

-             Criminal Trespass, Class D

-             Theft by Unauthorized Taking or Transfer, Class E

Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a traffic enforcement detail on Route 1 in northern Washington County. Distracted drivers were stopped for manipulating a cellular device while in heavy traffic. Many of those motorists were issued summonses for using a handheld device while driving a motor vehicle.

Trooper Steven Mahon arrested Brandon Summerson (31) of Jonesboro, for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol after a traffic stop in Gouldsboro. 

08-31-22

Trooper Travis Chapman is investigating a theft of a Generac generator from a camp in Danforth. Currently the investigation is ongoing.

Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a traffic enforcement detail on Route 3 in Trenton. Distracted drivers were stopped for manipulating a cellular device while in heavy traffic. Many of those motorists were issued summonses for using a handheld device while driving a motor vehicle.

Trooper Jarid Leonard conducted a motor vehicle stop in Trenton on Madison Hayward (21) of Trenton. Madison was charged for failing to register her motor vehicle and using a handheld device while operating a motor vehicle.

09-04-22

Sergeant Endre conducted a motor vehicle stop in Milbridge on Oscar Hughes (56) of Milbridge. Oscar was charged for operating after suspension and possessing a suspended driver’s license.

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.

On Friday, September 2, 2022 at approximately 4:51 pm, the Sanford Police Department responded to the intersection of Bates and Bowdoin Streets as a result of a 911 call. It was reported that a male had been stabbed.  When officers arrived on-scene they learned that the male had been transported to the hospital in a private vehicle. The Sanford Police Department notified the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – South who responded to the scene along with the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team.
 
The victim, 32-year-old Dane Brooks of Sanford succumbed to his injuries on the morning of Saturday, September 3, 2022. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta conducted a post-mortem examination on the deceased Sunday morning, September 4, 2022. 
 
Crime scene technicians and analysts from the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team processed the scene. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit - South continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident along with the assistance of the Sanford Police Department.  
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Thursday, September 1, 2022  at approximately 9:45 am,  Maine State Police Troop G received a complaint from the Maine Turnpike Authority Dispatch that an MTA maintenance crew member had observed a white minivan operating erratically in the area of mile marker 55 northbound.  The crew also reported there appeared to a be a male and a female in the van involved in an altercation.  Troopers located the vehicle a few minutes later and observed the same conduct reported by the Maine Turnpike Authority.  The vehicle was stopped near Exit 63 in Gray and both occupants, the driver 41-year-old Julio Garcia of Gray and passenger 33-year-old Hope Champagne of Gray were uncooperative with the investigation. Due to the nature and location of the stop Exit 63 NB was temporarily shut down and traffic was diverted to I-295. Garcia was ultimately charged with Criminal Operating After Suspension and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

A traffic stop led to an arrest and more than 300 grams of Methamphetamine seized by Troopers.

On August 24, 2022, at approximately 7:15 P.M., Trooper Jordan Bragan conducted a traffic stop for an inspection violation at mile 175 northbound in Hermon.  After observing several indicators of criminal activity, Trooper Bragan went back to his cruiser and requested a K9 unit. The driver, 29-year-old Patrick Murico, of Lewiston, attempted to throw contraband out of the vehicle. Trooper Bragan witnessed the act and retrieved the contraband which was 300 grams of Methamphetamine.

As a result of this investigation, Murico was charged with class A Trafficking of Methamphetamine.  Murico was also charged with  Unlawful Possession of Schedule Drugs and Trafficking in Prison Contraband.
 

 From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.
 
On Thursday, February 24, 2022, shortly after 01:34 a.m., the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home at 82 Pleasant Point Road in Lovell to conduct a welfare check on 41-year-old Jennifer Lingard of Dighton, Massachusetts. Lingard was in Lovell vacationing at her family’s home.  Deputies arrived to find Jennifer deceased inside the home with her two young children who were unharmed. Maine State Police Major Crime Unit Detectives were called to assist in the investigation and worked with witnesses and family members to gather statements and evidence. Maine State Police Detectives worked with the Newport, Rhode Island Police to locate and speak with 33-year-old Sami Daou of Newport, Rhode Island who was vacationing with Lingard and her children in Maine. Lingard and Daou were in a relationship at the time.

On Saturday, February 26, 2022, Daou was found deceased inside his Rhode Island home. The Rhode Island medical examiner determined that Daou died as a result of a drug overdose. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta conducted an autopsy following Lingard’s death back in February.  After recently receiving toxicology results, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Liam Funte ruled her death a homicide.  The Maine State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lingards’ death.
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 31, 2022
CONTACT PIO SHANNON MOSS
Shannon.Moss@Maine.Gov

September is Safe Homes Awareness Month
 
   
A new law that took effect on August 8, 2022, will help Mainers safely secure their prescription drugs and firearms, and other dangerous weapons. The law which was passed unanimously sponsored by Senator Susan Deschambault, D-Biddeford, and co-sponsored by Representative Richard Pickett, (R) Dixfield establishes the Safe Homes Program. It will educate people on the importance of safe prescription drug and weapons storage. It will also make storage devices more affordable.

Maine has the second highest firearm mortality rate in New England. In 2020, more than 85 percent of gun deaths were suicides. That year, 154 Mainers were killed by firearms, including 132 who died by suicide. 

In 2021 there were more than 8,000 overdoses in Maine. 636 were drug deaths, a 20 percent increase over the number of Mainers who died from overdoses in 2020.

“During my final term as Senator I wanted to take action to help make Mainers’ homes safer.” Said Sen. Deschambault. “We need to educate Mainers on the importance of safely storing their prescription drugs and weapons inside their home. We also need to make storage devices more affordable. This law will make Maine homes and families safer.” 

“The knowledge and tools to keep and handle personal weapons and prescription drugs is a matter of safety for the individual and the community as a whole said, Rep. Pickett. “As a member of law enforcement for over 40 years, I have seen many cases where both the mishandling of weapons and/or prescription drugs has caused great tragedy to so many.”

The safe storage of weapons can reduce accidental gun-related deaths and keep weapons out of the hands of people who might plan to hurt themselves. The safe storage of prescription drugs can help reduce accidental or misuse of medication.

“The safety of our friends and family is of the utmost importance for all of us and we believe that a program like “Safe Homes” can provide the comprehensive educational space to make our loved ones safer from prescription medications and dangerous weapons,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck.

Last year, the legislature made storage devices more affordable by creating a sales tax exemption for devices specifically designed for securing firearms. The Safe Homes Program will provide grants for purchasing safety devices for the safe storage of prescription drugs and weapons, as available.  

Governor Janet Mills has also signed a proclamation declaring September Safe Homes Awareness Month as a way to raise awareness about the importance of safety in the home and the existence of the program. 
For more information on the Safe Homes Program please visit the Department of Public Safety's Safe Homes Website.

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 0

08-23-22

Sergeant Gavin Endre investigated a report of a family fight in Deer Isle. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that no charges would be filed, and no crimes had occurred.

Corporal Owen Reed investigated a two-car crash in Blue Hill that resulted in injury. The driver of offending vehicle fled the scene. A suspect has been identified and the investigation is ongoing. Hancock Sheriff Office assisted on scene and with the investigation of the crash. Blue Hill Fire Department and Peninsula Ambulance also assisted on scene.

08-25-22

Corporal Jeff Taylor and Trooper Steven Mahon responded to a harassment complaint in Sullivan.  All parties were warned for disorderly conduct. 

Trooper Jarid Leonard took a report of a family fight in Addison. A disorderly conduct and trespass warning for the property where the confrontation took place was issued.

08-27-22

Trooper Kim Sawyer summoned Jordan Whiting (30) of Bancroft for Operating After Suspension Infraction after stopping the vehicle on Route 1 in Danforth for a motor vehicle violation.

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 0

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 1

08-16-22

Sergeant Jeff Ingemi arrested Bobbi-Sue Kierstead (38) of Calais, for having an active warrant for her arrest after a traffic stop in Baring.  Kierstead was also summonsed for Violation of Conditions of Release for possessing alcohol.

8-17-2022

Corporal Owen Reed responded to a noise complaint in Deer Isle. Investigation revealed that no crimes had been committed and parties had already separated before the police arrived.

Corporal Owen Reed responded to a single vehicle crash on the Caterpillar Hill Road in Sedgwick. It was determined that the driver Steven Morey (30) of Stonington had been fatigued and drifted left across the centerline. His vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree. No injuries were reported, and no charges were filed based on the investigation on scene.

08-18-2022

Trooper Jarid Leonard stopped a vehicle in Machias for passenger not being secured with a seatbelt. As a result of the stop, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle Aaron Richardson (29) of Machias did not hold a valid driver’s license. He was issued a summonsed for Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Driver’s License.

08-19-2022

Corporal Owen Reed and Sergeant Gavin Endre responded to a two-vehicle crash on the North Deer Isle Road in Deer Isle. The investigation revealed that a vehicle operated by Juliet Lesser (68) of Deer Isle crossed the centerline and hit a vehicle operated by John Madura (52) of Sedgwick head on. Two passengers in Madura’s vehicle were injured in the crash.  All but one occupant of both vehicles was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Sedgwick, Deer Isle and Stonington Fire Departments, Peninsula Ambulance and Memorial Ambulance assisted on scene.

08-20-22

Trooper Steven Mahon responded to a criminal mischief complaint in T16 MD BPP where construction equipment was tampered with.  Forestry assisted.  Investigation continues.

08-21-22

Corporal Blaine Silk arrested Matthew Seavey (31) of Hancock for Violating Conditions of Release after being found intoxicated at his parent’s residence in Hancock.

Corporal Jeffrey Taylor responded to a property damage complaint in Deblois where a Kubota blueberry harvester and a flatbed blueberry transport truck had been damaged over the night. The Kubota sustained significant damage to the windshield and cab body. The flatbed had a rock thrown through the windshield. Investigation continues.

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO.

On Monday, August 15, 2022, a report was made to the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office about ongoing domestic violence incidents occurring at a home in West Gardiner. The individual informed the sheriff’s office that 29-year-old Daniel Ross, a Kennebec County Sheriff’s Deputy had been assaulting his wife at their home while off-duty.  Kennebec County Sheriff’s Deputies spoke with Ross’s wife and as a result of that conversation contacted the Maine State Police. As a result of their investigation State Police Troopers arrested Deputy Ross Monday at 10:30 pm while he was on duty. He was transported to the Somerset County Jail where he remains. Ross has been charged with three counts of Domestic Violence Assault, three counts of Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon, Unlawful Sexual Contact, Domestic Violence Terrorizing with a Dangerous Weapon and Aggravated Assault. Ross, who started working at the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office on March 16, 2021 is on administrative leave with pay.  

Daniel Ross was in Kennebec County Court for his first appearance on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 1:00 pm.   Please contact the court for documents and the Somerset County jail for a booking photo.