Bangor police attempt to ID possible shoplifters

(Photos courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Police are trying to identify alleged shoplifters that made off with more thatn $1,000 worth of merchandise from Target on Saturday.

On Jan. 22, around 5:30 p.m., Officer Brian Smith responded to Target on Longview Drive for the report of a theft. Smith learned that a man and a woman accompanied by an approximately 10-years-old boy, had reportedly stolen over $1,000 dollars worth of merchandise from the store.

The suspects reportedly parked a Red, Ford F150 like pickup truck on the side of the building and then all three shopped for over an hour. The woman left the store and the man and child go through the register where all the items are scanned. The male suspect then produced a debit card that would not allow for the purchase, so the man and child take the cart, now full of scanned and unpaid merchandise, and walk to customer service. At that point, the woman re-enters the building and then both adult suspects and child leave the store with the cart, load up the pickup truck, and leave with the stolen merchandise, according to police.

Anyone with information as to the identity of the male and female suspects in the photographs attached are asked to call Officer Brian Smith at 947-7382 extension 95775, or press extension 6 if you wish to remain anonymous by utilizing the Tip Line.

Update on kerosene, gasoline mix in Gorham

Statement from Little Mart, courtesy of Maine Public Safety

GORHAM - Since the contaminated kerosene was identified on Thursday, Little Mart has taken action to inform the public, pump out contaminated product from customer locations, perform inspections by qualified technicians and provide refunds or replacement fuel to customers.   Upon further review of inventory and delivery records, it has been determined the kerosene product was contaminated at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25.  Little Mart personnel placed the kerosene pump out of service approximately 12 noon on Thursday, Jan. 27 once the contamination was realized.  The local fire department was notified at that time and warnings were posted at the Little Mart immediately.  The contaminated kerosene was removed from the storage tank and the tank has been replenished with new kerosene fuel that is safe for use.

The overall volume of contaminated kerosene sold was less than 300 gallons, not 400 gallons as originally estimated.  There were less than 50 purchases of contaminated kerosene between Jan. 25 and Jan 27.   Numerous potential customers have called or visited the store and Little Mart personnel are responding to all of their claims.

Little Mart considers the safety of its customers and the general public as its top priority and will continue working with the local fire department to ensure appropriate actions are taken to resolve this situation.  Little Mart would like to thank the Gorham Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal and the local news media for getting word out to the general public regarding this situation.  Little Mart encourages any customers that may have concerns or questions to contact the store or the Gorham Fire Department.

Fire Marshall warns of kerosene mixed with gasoline in Gorham

Courtesy of Maine Public Safety

GORHAM - The State Fire Marshal's Office is warning the public that kerosene sold at a Gorham convenience store within the past two days was mistakenly contaminated with gasoline.  Fire Marshal John Dean said the mixture could cause an explosion and urged anyone who purchased kerosene from the "Little Mart" at the intersection of Routes 202 and 237 in Gorham since Tuesday at noontime should stop using the product immediately.

The Fire Marshal's Office was notified this afternoon by Gorham Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre and Gorham was using its reverse 911 calling system to notify residents.   Dean said a delivery of gasoline was mistakenly pumped into the kerosene tank on Tuesday and that some 400 gallons  of the kerosene-gasoline mixture have been purchased in the 48 hour period before the mistake was discovered this afternoon .

Dean urged anyone who had purchased kerosene from the "Little Mart" in the past two days to stop using the product .  Dean said any heating devices fueled by the contaminated mixture should be removed from any enclosed living space immediately.

Those who have purchased the contaminated kerosene can return it to the "Little Mart" for a full refund.

The store's phone number is 892-4153.

Anyone with any concerns can also contact Chief Lefebvre at the Gorham Fire Department at 839-5581.

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Excuse for speeding: Someone stealing my other car


TRENTON – A Hancock County Deputy was able to help clear up a misunderstanding after he stopped a man who was speeding home to prevent someone from stealing a vehicle from his home.
On Jan. 14, Deputy Shane Campbell stopped a motor vehicle for speeding on the Oak Point Road. The driver told the deputy he had been informed that someone was at his home stealing his car.
Campbell followed the operator to his home and verified that the Jacks Garage wrecker operator was at the wrong driveway in Trenton and the whole ordeal was a misunderstanding.

Man impersonates trooper with business card


PASSADUMKEAG – Maine State Police and Penobscot County Deputies investigated an incident where a Milford man reportedly entered a residence claiming to be a Maine State Trooper.
On Jan. 23, a third party reported that a man claiming to be Trooper Barry Merserve was in a residence in Passadumkeag. Troopers Barry Meserve and Brian Bean arrived to find Steven Kinsella, 40, inside the residence acting erratically, going through the resident’s belongings and eating food. Deputy Ray Goodspeed arrived shortly after the troopers.
The police identification turned out to be the trooper’s business card that Kinsella had obtained from speaking with the trooper over the weekend.
Kinsella was placed under arrest and charged with class C burglary, impersonation of a public servant, and theft by unauthorized taking and transfer. He was transported to Penobscot County Jail. The items he reportedly took were recovered and returned to the rightful owner.

Teen allegedly shot at cars with air rifle


OLD TOWN – An Old Town teen is facing possible charges after allegedly shooting at multiple cars with an air rifle, causing hundreds of dollars worth of damage to vehicles.
On Jan. 18, around 3:10 p.m. a man drove to the Old Town Police Station to report that his vehicle had been shot by a pellet gun while he was driving on the Bennoch Road. The shot had imbedded in the door and shattered the driver’s window. Sgt. Travis Roy noted that the pellet was still lodged in the door and they were able to pry it out.
Shortly thereafter, police received complaints that at least three more vehicles had been similarly shot at.
Roy was able to determine the stretch of road that the shots were likely coming from and went door to door speaking with occupants. There was only one home where no one answered, and at the time there was no vehicle in the driveway. A short time later, Roy saw a vehicle and tried the house again. The woman, who was returning home, told Roy that her teenage son was in the residence and had recently received a Crossman Storm XT air rifle for Christmas.
The 14-year-old allegedly admitted to shooting at the cars due to boredom. He was unable to recall how many cars he shot at.
Police noted that it was lucky that no one was injured and that the drivers were able to maintain control of their vehicles after they were shot.
Police expect to charge the teen with criminal mischief and hope to get restitution for the damaged vehicles.

Man attacked by own dog


LAGRANGE – A Maine State Trooper was forced to shoot a dog that had attacked a man in Lagrange over the weekend.
On Jan. 22, around 4:30 p.m., Tpr. Adam Coover responded to Lagrange to assist the Animal Control with a report from a man that had reportedly been attacked by his roommate’s pit bull and was in need of medical attention.
In an attempt to get away from the dog, the victim and his friend fled into the bedroom and barricaded themselves while the dog continued to try to get into the bedroom by chewing his way through the door. The dog was also keeping the ambulance attendants from getting to the victim. When Coover arrived, the dog went after him and the trooper was forced to shoot the dog.
The victim was transported to the hospital with injuries to his arms, legs, neck and face.
The dog was put into a kennel and transported to the veterinary hospital where it was euthanized. The injured man was the homeowner and also had partial ownership of the dog.
Animal Control Officer Bruce Hallett is still investigating the incident.

Could you grab my phone? Please ignore the drugs

(Roderick Ronco, photo courtesy of Brewer Police)

BREWER – A man facing domestic violence charges unwittingly invited police to add more when he reportedly asked an officer to retrieve his phone from another room – where the drugs were left out.
On Jan. 19, Brewer police were called to a fight in progress on South Main Street. When Officers Eduardo Olivera, Liz Kelly, Cpl. Nelson Feero and Sgt. Anthony Pinette arrived, they saw a woman kneeling and visibly upset. She reportedly told police that she had been in an argument with her boyfriend, who allegedly grabbed her by her throat, punched her in the face and threw her on the ground.
Police arrested Roderick Ronco, 41, of Brewer, and charged him with domestic assault. When Ronco asked Kelly to retrieve his cell phone from another room, she saw marijuana, pills and drug paraphernalia, including a straw with white powder in plain view in the room. He was subsequently charged with unlawful possession of schedule W drugs, possession of a useable amount of marijuana and sale and use of drug paraphernalia.

Stay put


TREMONT – A Bass Harbor man is facing charges after allegedly crashing his car in Tremont last week.
On Jan. 20, Tpr. David Barnard responded to an accident on Route 102 in Tremont. The driver and passenger had reportedly left the scene of the accident in another vehicle.
The passenger was located at the hospital, where he was being treated for injuries sustained in the collision. The driver, Michael Conners, 27, of Bass Harbor, was located and charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.
The occupants were not wearing seatbelts.

Tip-a-Cop night at Margarita’s


ORONO – Members of the Orono Police Department will be at Margarita’s on Jan. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. serving patrons for a good cause. The boys in blue will be on hand to serve food and beverages in the hopes that customers will tip big, because the money that’s tipped goes towards the Special Olympics.
For more information, call 866-4000 or visit www.specialolympicsmaine.org.


Fowl theft


FRANKLIN – A hen has been reported missing over the weekend in Franklin.
On Jan. 22, Tpr. David Barnard was called to a residence in Franklin for the report of a missing chicken. The residence noticed that there were only five chickens remaining out of the original six. The chicken is described as a black and white hen, and the owners claim that it is very friendly.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Tpr. Barnard at 866-2121.

Wake up, before you go, go


ORONO – A young man who passed out in the back of a cab got a ride to the hospital instead of home.
On Jan. 21, around 12:25 a.m., a taxi pulled up alongside a cruiser because his fare had passed out in the back seat and he wasn’t sure what to do.
The man was identified as Taylor Williamson, 19, of Waldoboro, and was only semi-responsive. Police called for an ambulance. Williamson was issued a summons for illegal possession of alcohol by a minor and taken to the hospital.

Things you remember when you’re sober: headlights


ORONO – Alcohol has been shown to impair your driving, which can be made obvious when you forget something small, like turning on your headlights.
Officer Jason Zalva stopped a vehicle that left the Pine Street parking lot without headlights on Jan 21 around 1:35 a.m. He determined that the driver, Donovan Webb, 22, of Bangor, may have been drinking and administered field sobriety tests. He was subsequently arrested for operating under the influence and taken to Penobscot County Jail.

Seven summoned at Husson dorm


BANGOR – Bangor Police and Husson Security broke up an underage drinking party at Husson University, charging seven young adults with various related crimes.
On Jan. 23 at about 12:30 a.m., Officer Michael Brennan, the college liaison officer at Husson University, met two Husson security officers at Bell Hall, as the officers were watching a room from the parking lot that appeared to have people partying inside.
Brennan and the security officers made several observations that in fact it appeared that the people were drinking. The officers made their way to the floor and could immediately smell the odor of alcohol saturating the hallway. They also saw an empty beer can on the floor.
The officers went to the dorm room and identified several underage people that admitted to or was found to be drinking alcohol. As a result of several interviews, the following people were summoned: Kyle C. Kyllonen, 20, Poland, providing a place for minors to consume alcohol; Zachary D. Haithcock, 18, Hollis, N.H., sale and use of drug paraphernalia; Kylie R. Prosser, 19, Brunswick, illegal possession of alcohol by a minor; Zachary S .Messier, 18, Gilford, N.H., illegal possession of alcohol by a minor; Mark H. Green, 18, Elliot, illegal possession of alcohol by a minor; Nathan Rollins, 18, Parsonfields, illegal possession of alcohol by a minor; Catherine A. Fortuna, 19, Hampton, N.H., illegal possession of alcohol by a minor.

Extra mischief

Going pretty fast there, eh?


TOWNSHIP 22 – A man from New Brunswick went to jail after he was stopped for exceeding the speed limit by nearly 40 miles per hour.
On Jan. 17, Tpr. Greg Roy arrested Aldeo Noel, 43, of New Brunswick, Canada for criminal speed and operating under the influence as a result of a traffic stop on Route 9 in Township 22.  Noel was traveling 93 miles per hour (almost 150 kilometers per hour) in the posted 55 mph zone.  An Intoxilyzer test was administered at the Hancock County Jail.

Things you shouldn’t put off: reporting an accident


OTIS  - Even if you plan on fixing the damage yourself, police would like to remind drivers that you still need to report the accident.
On Jan. 22, Tpr. Greg Roy received a complaint of a damaged vehicle parked on the side of the West Shore Road in Otis.
The driver Dacota Dow, 20, of Bar Harbor, told police he went off the roadway at 3:00 a.m. on Jan. 22 and did not report it because he was going to fix the damage himself.
He was summonsed for failure to report an accident by quickest means.

* Edited wording in second story so it made sense. 

Area Wanted 01.19.2011

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of January 18, 2011. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Alexander Pelkey

Age: 26

Charge: Failure to appear, 1 Warrant

Last known address: Bangor

Gerry Bubar

Age: 52

Charge: Failure to appear, 1 Warrant

Last known address: Bucksport

See an error? Please direct your questions to 947-4585.

Police arrest Bangor man in connection with credit union robbery

(Donovan W. Steen, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – The Bangor Police have made an arrest in connection with the robbery of the Penobscot County Federal Credit Union.

The Bangor Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division along with Bangor Office of the FBI, arrested Donovan W. Steen, Jr., 20, of Bangor charged him with class B felony robbery  in connection with a bank robbery reported at the Penobscot County Federal Credit Union at about 4:25 p.m. on Jan. 18.

Police received several tips from the public on their Tip Line and their business line in the 24 hours since the robbery. Sgt. Paul Edwards extended thanks to everyone who assisted the investigation. Anyone with further information related to this case is urged to call Detectives Jim Carr or Cliff Worcester at 947-7382 or again, press extension 6 if you wish to leave an anonymous message.

Steen remains at the Penobscot County Jail at this time. 

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

(Penobscot County Deputies seized 261 marijuana plants in an indoor grow operation in Argyle.
Photos courtesy of Penobscot County Sheriff's Office)

 Police seize 261 marijuana plants 


ARGYLE – Penobscot County Deputies seized more than  250 marijuana plants that were being cultivated in a trailer in Argyle over the weekend.
On On Jan. 15, at 12:20 p.m. deputies responded to the residence of Blaine Tozier, 39, located on the Southgate Road in Argyle. Deputies were following up leads of an indoor marijuana grow at the residence.

Tozier was cooperative throughout the investigation, allowing the deputies to seize 261 marijuana plants growing in various stages. Tozier was summonsed for cultivation of marijuana. Along with the plants, $1000 in grow light equipment was seized.
 The grow operation was conducted in an insulated camper trailer that was sitting on the Southgate Road property. Police said that Tozier does have  a minor criminal history.

Man kicked out of a bar, angry with friends who stayed

(Carl Dawes, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – A man who was put out that he had been kicked out of a bar allegedly became violent with his roommates who remained behind.
On Jan. 16, around 2:05 a.m., Officers Josh Wotton, Tim Brown and Sgt. Brad Johnston were called to a First Street address to the report of a disorderly person. There were told a knife might be involved.
Officers spoke with two witnesses who stated that they have been living with the apartment renter, Carl Dawes, 29, of Bangor. They told police that Dawes became violent and agitated when they returned home from the bar he had been kicked out of earlier.
Dawes was arrested and charged with class D misdemeanor trafficking in dangerous knives and criminal threatening.

Two stolen cars, one night, several charges

(Steven W. Dearborn, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – A Massachusetts man allegedly stole two vehicles in one evening before being apprehended by police.
On Jan. 13, around 6:35 p.m., Officer Jamie Fanning was dispatched to the Fashion Bug on Union Street to the report of a motor vehicle theft.
Upon arriving, she spoke with the victim, who reported that between 6 and 6:30 p.m., while shopping, someone stole her 2010 Dodge Journey. Around 8 p.m., Fanning was called and told that the stolen vehicle was seen at a store in Levant and that the suspect had just left. Shortly after that, Fanning received information that the stolen car was now at Dysart’s in Hermon and that a Penobscot County Deputy Sheriff was taking a complaint that the Dodge Journey was left in the parking lot and another car was stolen from that location. The second stolen car was recovered in Hampden and the suspect, Steven W. Dearborn, 46, of Jamaica Plains, Mass., was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, burglary of a motor vehicle, and operating after suspension.

Doesn't quite drive-thru

(Michael E. Campbell, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Police were called to deal with a Garland man who had apparently passed out behind the wheel at a drive-thru.
On Jan. 13, around 11:40 p.m., Officer Tim Brown was dispatched to the Main Street McDonald’s to the report of an unidentified man who had fallen asleep behind the wheel at the drive-thru.
According to police, Michael E. Campbell, 26, of Garland, was found to be asleep at the wheel with the car in reverse with his foot on the brake. The officer reached into the car and turned off the ignition.
It took several attempts to wake the driver, but he eventually came to and spoke with the officer. Campbell was given field sobriety tests and brought to the station for an Intoxilyzer test. As a result of that test, a one of the department’s drug recognition experts was called to assist; the case is pending those results.
Campbell was charged with operating under the influence.

Not the slam you’re looking for


BANGOR – A man who brought a gun to Denny’s early Sunday morning is facing charges.

Alex W. Clandenning, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

On Jan. 16, around 2 a.m., Officers Dick Polk, Mike Brennan and Gary Decker responded to Denny’s on Haskell Drive for the report of a man with a gun.
The officers were directed through a very large crowd to a corner table where three men were sitting. Police ordered them to put their hands on the table. Two of the men complied, while the third, Alex W. Clendenning, 19, of Bangor, with his back turned towards the officers, lifted his shirt revealing a gun on his hip. Polk took the gun and noted that there was a magazine and a single bullet on the table where the men were sitting.
Clendenning was removed from the restaurant and interviewed outside. As a result of the investigation, Clendenning was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and terrorizing. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail.

Credit Union in downtown Bangor robbed

BANGOR – Police are looking for a Caucasian man in connection to a bank robbery earlier today (Jan. 18).

On Jan. 18, around 4:30 p.m., Bangor police officers responded to the Penobscot County Federal Credit Union at 1 Merchants Plaza to the report of a bank robbery.

Officers were on scene within seconds but a lone male suspect was able to escape on foot.

The suspect, pictured, is described as a Caucasian male, 5-foot8-inches to 5-foot11-inches, thin build, teens to early-mid twenties, and clean shaven, although he appeared to have blonde growth of a beard maybe one or two days old. He was wearing a white long sleeve sweatshirt with “Billabong,” written on it, black sunglasses, black gloves and blue jeans.

The suspect was tracked by one of the department’s K-9 units in the downtown area and the track was eventually suspended in the area of Union and High Streets. The department’s Evidence Response Team has collected evidence and the FBI is also working the case with us.

No one was injured and an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

Anyone with information as to the identity of this suspect is urged to call the Bangor Police Department at 947-7382 and if you wish to remain anonymous, please press 6 to utilize the Tip Line.

Funeral for Maine State Police lieutenant to be held Monday

Lt. Charles "Chip" Howe

Courtesy of Maine Public Safety

VASSALBORO - Adjacent to a room that bears his name, funeral services for retired State Police Lieutenant Charles Howe will take place Monday at 10 a.m. at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro.  Howe, better known as “Chip,” died early Wednesday morning at his home in Vassalboro after declining health from a rare neurological disease.  He was 59.

He served the State Police for 31 years – the last 18 of those years in the training division – and he played a hand in the training of every police officer and state trooper in Maine from 1987 to his retirement in 2005.  The academy was located on Silver Street in Waterville for most of those years, but Howe also helped oversee the relocation of the academy in 2001 to the former Oak Grove Coburn School in Vassalboro, where his services will take place Monday.

Chip joined the State Police in 1974 and initially patrolled in Troop F (Aroostook County) and Troop J (Washington & Hancock counties). He was named Trooper of the Year in 1983 and transferred to the academy in 1987 as a sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant in charge of training in 1995.  During those 18 years he served at the academy, close to 2,000 Maine police officers were trained there.  The weight room in the training center is named in his honor.

Following his retirement, Chip served as an analyst for the State Police Computer Crimes Unit. Prior to joining the State Police, Chip was a watchman for the Maine Forest Service on top of Bigelow Mountain and he also served as a forest ranger. In all he had 37 years of state service. Always physically fit – he was an avid skier, runner, bicyclist and hiker.

He is survived by his wife, Jane, and four grown children.

Area Wanted 01.12.2011

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of January 11, 2011. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Frederick Day

Age: 29

Charge: Failure to appear, 1 warrant

Last known address: Bradford

Corey Butterfield

Age: 23

Charge: Failure to appear, 1 warrant

 Last known address: Brewer

Police identify alleged shoplifters

(Richard Brandon Midgette, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – With help from the community, police have identified the alleged shoplifters from surveillance video.

As a result of several tips from the public and a Bangor Police Officer’s review of the photographs, Richard Brandon Midgette, as shown in store surveillance video, and his brother, Mathew K. Midgette, were both identified and summoned for theft. They both have a court date of February 16, 2011.

The Bangor Police Department and Officer Mike Brennan appreciate the enormous cooperation and support from those who emailed, posted on Facebook and left messages on our Tip Line and Officer Brennan’s voicemail. Police said that without that assistance this case might never have been solved.

(Mathew K. Midgette, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Gut feelings


ORONO – An Orono man is facing charges after allegedly “belly bumping” another man at an apartment complex.
On Jan. 5, around 6:44 p.m., Officer Wilfred King responded to an apartment building on Marsh Lane to speak with a victim regarding an alleged altercation that took place with another tenant. The person told police that he was walking to a building when Brian Sepcich, 53, of Orono, “belly bumped” him and reportedly asked the victim, “What are you doing by scaring people, boy?”
The victim did not know what had aggravated Sepcich.
King spoke with Sepcich, who initially denied bumping bellies. When it was pointed out that surveillance cameras covered the area, he reportedly acknowledged that his belly may have come in contact with the other person.
Sepcich was summoned for assault. There is no photo of the offending belly.

The gun isn’t your problem


BREWER – A woman went to jail for violating her bail conditions, not because she was toting an unloaded gun, but because police determined she had been drinking.
On Jan. 6 around 2:20 p.m., Officer Eduardo Olivera and Sgt. David Lord responded to an accident that had occurred at State Street Plaza. The other people involved in the incident told authorities that the other people involved had tried to convince them not to call the police.
Officers spoke with the driver, Darren Whitney, 20, of Belfast, who told them that his female passenger Tanya Boudreau, 29, of Hampden, had left on foot.
Whitney reportedly walked a little ways down State Street, spoke to a woman, later identified as Boudreau, and then tossed a backpack over the fence into Doyle Field.
When officers recovered the backpack, they discovered a .40 caliber handgun and a bottle of alcohol. Police determined that the alcohol belonged to Boudreau, who appeared intoxicated, which was in violation of her bail conditions. Police also learned that Whiney did not have a license. Captain Jason Moffitt noted that the gun, which wasn’t loaded and was secured in a box, was legally in Boudreau’s possession.
Boudreau was arrested and taken to Penobscot County Jail where she was charged with violation of conditions of release and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Whitney was summoned for operating after suspension.

Dunkin Donuts burglarized


OLD TOWN – The Dunkin Donuts on Stillwater Avenue in Old Town was burglarized early Monday morning.
Police received a report that the Dunkin Donuts in Old Town had been burglarized and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. Police are actively investigating the incident and are unable to release more details about the case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Old Town Police Department at 827-3984.

Put it back where you found it


SEDGWICK – Maine State Police cited a Bangor man for stealing scrap metal from a camp in Sedgwick.
On Jan. 5, Tpr. Tom Pickering received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near a camp in Sedgwick. The complainant had never seen the vehicle there before and the camp owner lives out of state. The vehicle had left prior to Pickering’s arrival. The trooper checked the area and found several locations where it appeared as though the occupants of the vehicle had been taking scrap metal. The vehicle was later located by the Bangor Police Department.
The driver, Billie Joe Roberts, 30, of Bangor, reportedly admitted to taking scrap metal in the area and was summoned for theft by unlawful taking or transfer.
Pickering escorted Roberts back to the area so he could return all of the scrap metal to its original location.

Driving under the influence of methadone


DEDHAM – A Trenton man was charged for operating under the influence of drugs after he was stopped by a state trooper in Dedham after reportedly driving back from a methadone clinic in Bangor.
On Jan. 4, Tpr. Greg Roy received a report of a vehicle that was operating erratically on Route 1A in Dedham. Tpr. Roy located the vehicle on the Lily Road. The driver, Jeremy Madore, 29, of Trenton, was arrested for operating under the influence of drugs. Madore had allegedly just left the methadone clinic in Bangor.

Woman faces felony assault charges

(Cynthia M. Dorion, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Police charged a Bangor woman with felony assault for allegedly stabbing her husband.
On Jan. 6 at about 4:50 p.m., Officers John Robinson and Brandon Vafiades responded to the call of a family fight on Shepherd Drive.
Upon arrival, both the husband and wife were separated and interviewed. Police said they determined the husband was the victim of an attack by his wife, Cynthia M. Dorion, 54, of Bangor, and he showed evidence of at least one minor stab wound that was inflicted by his wife. He refused medical treatment and the injury was non-life threatening. Police said that alcohol was a factor in this case.
Dorion was arrested and charged with class B felony aggravated assault. She has since been released on bail.

Alcohol may be factor in early morning crash


OLD TOWN – A Thomaston woman was involved in a collision that took out a utility pole in Old Town. Police said that alcohol may be a factor.
Officer Ryan Fitch was on patrol on Jan. 6 around 2:12 a.m, when he came across a vehicle that had gone off the rode and collided with a utility pole, breaking it in half.
Fitch spoke with the 40-year-old Thomaston woman who was still in the driver’s seat, and she told him that she had looked down at her cell phone prior to the crash. Fitch noted signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol and difficulty keeping balance. The unidentified woman was transported to the hospital where a blood kit was drawn to test her alcohol level. She was summoned for operating under the influence, but police are withholding her name until the results of the blood test return.

Brewer man faces felony drug trafficking charges


BREWER – Police charged a man with felony drug trafficking after they located him a local motel.
On Jan. 8, 9:51 p.m., Officers Amy Nickerson, Jeff Gotreau and Rodney Gerald went to a Wilson Street motel to speak with Michael Acosta, 28, of Brewer, who was wanted on active warrants.
When the officers entered, they detected the odor of burnt marijuana. A search of the room revealed 20 grams of marijuana in the dresser, cash and other evidence of drug trafficking.
Acosta was arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking of marijuana (due to the proximity to a school) violation of conditions of release and possession of schedule drugs. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail.

Maine State Police make arrests after high speed chase

HANCOCK COUNTY – Maine State Police make arrests after high speed chase.

On Jan. 1, troopers responded to a citizen report of a vehicle on Route 182 in the Cherryfield area that matched the description of the vehicle that was believed to have been involved in an armed robbery in Ellsworth on Dec. 30, 2010.  The vehicle was a Silver Saab bearing Maine dealer plate 92K.  Tpr. Dave Barnard located the vehicle on Route 182 as it pulled into the parking area on Tunk Lake in Township 10.

Barnard made contact with the operator who refused to comply with Tpr. Barnard’s commands.  The vehicle then left the parking area and began traveling east on Route 182 at speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour.  The operator lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of the Eastbrook Road and Route 182 and the vehicle struck a utility pole.

The driver, later identified Hyunkook Korsiak, 29, of Harpswell, fled the scene on foot.  The passenger in the vehicle, Joseph Miller, 24, of Whitneyville, was located near the scene and was arrested for receiving stolen property (class B).  The investigation disclosed that the vehicle had been reported stolen from an auto dealership in Brunswick on Dec. 26, 2010.

A short time later, troopers received information that the driver (Korsiak) had stolen a second vehicle from a residence on the Eastbrook Road in Franklin.  It was determined that the vehicle was a red 1992 Saab belonging to a woman from Trenton.  Sgt. Glenn Moshier of the Ellsworth Police Department located the vehicle on Route 179 and attempted to stop the vehicle.

Korsiak again failed to stop and continued into Ellsworth.  Korsiak pulled into a driveway on State Street and was taken into custody without further incident.  Korsiak was charged with one count of theft by unlawful taking or transfer (class B), one count of theft by unlawful taking or transfer (class C), eluding (class C), passing a roadblock (class C), criminal speeding (class E) and driving to endanger (class E).

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and Ellsworth Police Department also assisted at the scene.      

The Maine State Police extended thanks to the concerned and alert citizen who reported the whereabouts of the vehicle.

Veazie Police have a new website

VEAZIE - The Veazie Police Department recently launched a sleek new website. It contains contact information, frequently asked questions, employment information, mission statement, officer down memorial page, town ordinances, and law enforcement-related links and more. Check it out a http://veaziepd.net/.

Jackman teacher arrested on child porn charges

(Rob Mocarsky, photo courtesy of Somerset County Jail)

JACKMAN - State Police say they have arrested a kindergarten teacher from Jackman and charged him with possessing child pornography.  41-year-old Rob Mocarsky was arrested at his home in Jackman Thursday afternoon and charged with possession of sexually explicit material of a minor under the age of 12 .  He was taken to the Somerset County Jail in Skowhegan where is is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail  and is expected to make his first court appearance at 1 p.m. in Somerset County Superior Court today .

A team of eight Detectives and members of the State Police Computer Crimes Unit were in Jackman Thursday and served a search warrant at Mocarsky's house at 6 Halfway Brook Road.  Officials say his home computer was examined as part of that search and found to contain dozens of images of children, including some of his students at the Forest Hills School.

School officials and State Police met with about 30 parents at the school last night to brief them on the investigation.  As the images are identified, detectives will begin interviewing parents and students as the investigation continues.  Mocarsky has worked at the school since 2002 and may have also worked at two other elementary schools in Maine, prior to relocating to Jackman.

Auburn Police Department offers Citizens' Police Academy

Courtesy of the Auburn Police Department, via their Facebook page.

AUBURN - The Auburn Police Department proudly announces the newest session of the Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA). This exciting 10-week program, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, February 7, offers community members insight into how local police officers perform their duties and how this outstanding department serves the community. Participants will meet at the Auburn Police Department each Monday from 6  to 8:30 p.m.

The goal of the CPA is to foster better communication between citizens and police through education. Graduates of the academy learn about the structure and activities of their police department, share their knowledge and experiences with their friends and neighbors, and quite often go on to become volunteers with the department. The CPA is a series of informational classes, a behind- the-scenes look at the Auburn Police Department. The program operates on the premise that informed and educated citizens will be more supportive of police officers and will be more productive within their own neighborhood and community.

The APD has offered the CPA for several years, and always find it to be a rewarding experience for the participants as well as the officers. “We all benefit from enhancing citizen understanding of the role & function of the police department,” says Auburn’s Chief Phil Crowell. “Participants will not be trained as police officers, but will get a fun and informative overview of the Departments’ functions and operation.”

 All of the course instructors are members of the law enforcement profession and will present material on topics such as:

Basic patrol functions;
Use of force (Lethat, less than lethal);
OUI detection and enforcement;
Domestic violence;
K-9 demonstration;
Drug enforcement;
Crime scene investigation and much more.

Class size is limited and will be filled on a first-come basis. Participants must attend at least eight classes to pass the Citizens’ Police Academy. A background check will be performed on all applicants. Applicants with felony convictions or extensive criminal backgrounds will not be accepted.

Anyone interested in receiving an application for the Citizens’ Police Academy should visit the Auburn Police Department at One Minot Avenue, visit www.auburnpd.com to download the application, or contact Liz Allen, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Coordinator at 333-6650 or lallen@auburnmaine.gov. Application deadline is February 1, 2011.

Bangor Police trying to identify reported shoptlifter

(Bangor Police are attempting to identify the man in the picture. Photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Bangor Police Officials are trying to identify a possible shoplifter.

On Jan. 3 around 3:45 p.m., Officer Mike Brennan responded to Sears at the Bangor Mall for the report of a shoplifter. He learned that two suspects had shopped for several minutes for jeans, and that one of the suspects, not pictured here, went outside. A few moments passed when a vehicle pulled up to the doors. The suspect pictured took a pair of jeans and bolted for the car with the second person he was with.

The second person is smaller than the suspect pictured and apparently both men were witnessed shopping at several stores within the mall. At one point, the smaller suspect, again not pictured, made reference that the two were brothers. The suspect is described as having a shaved head, a possible goatee, and a tattoo on his right forearm.

Anyone with information as to the identity of the man pictured is urged to call the Bangor Police Department and ask for Officer Mike Brennan at 947-7382 extension 95756, or press 6 and you can leave an anonymous message on the Tip Line.

*Edited 1/8/11

Area Wanted 01.05.11

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of January 4, 2011. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Kevin Lawlor

Age: 29

Charge: Failure to appear, 2 Warrants

Last known address: Enfield

CAPTURED
Chad Umbro

Age: 27

Charge: Failure to Appear, 1 Warrant

Last known address: Hampden
Arrested by Hampden PD 10:30 p.m. on 1/6/2011

See an error? Please direct your questions to 947-4585.

Old Town police arrest Conn. man on felony charges

(Rudy T. John was arrested by Old Town Police
Photo courtesy of Old Town PD)

OLD TOWN – Old Town Police arrested a Connecticut man who was wanted by the Connecticut State Police and East Hartford Police on felony warrants, including kidnapping and robbery.

Old Town Police received information that a man named Rudy T. John, 28, of Colchester, Conn., might be at a residence on Main Street in Old Town. The Connecticut State Police told the officers that John might be stating at the house and that he had extraditable warrants for first degree kidnapping and robbery, both felonies. They also told police that John might be driving a red SUV with Connecticut plates, but the plate number wasn’t known. Connecticut Police said that John was possibly armed with a .40 caliber handgun and that he had made comments that he wasn’t going to be taken back to jail.

Officer Christine McAvoy went to the residence and observed a red Honda CR-V with Connecticut plates. The Old Town Police Department ran the plates and learned that the vehicle was stolen.

At 9:24 p.m. on Jan. 5, police surrounded the residence and attempted to make contact with the people inside via phone, but all of the numbers they had were disconnected. The police made contact via PA system and order the occupants outside one at a time. The people inside eventually complied with orders. Police confirmed that John was inside by speaking with the first few people outside. The fourth person to come out matched John’s description. He was ordered to the ground and taken into custody at gunpoint.

A search of the residence and the stolen vehicle did not turn up a gun.

John was taken to Penobscot County Jail and booked on the active warrants. He was also charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle by Old Town Police.

Authorities in Connecticut are making arrangements for extradition.
The other residents in the house were not arrested and did not know John by his real name and told police they thought his name was "Justin."

Maine State Troopers Kyle Willette and Jarod Stedman also assisted at the scene.

(Stolen vehicle, photo by Katy England)

*Edited 1/6/2011 to add second to last paragraph and to add "and East Hartford Police" in the first paragraph.

Maine State Police make arrests in connection to Greenbush burglary

(Nicholas Hutchinson, photo courtesy of Penobscot County Jail)

MILFORD – Maine State Police made arrests in connection with a burglary that occurred in Greenbush earlier this week.
On Jan. 3, Trooper Tom Fiske responded to a report of a burglary in Greenbush where several firearms and a large amount of change (coins) had been taken from a residence. Fisk requested that Trooper Jarod Stedman assist in processing the scene and with follow up. Trooper Kyle Willette learned that Penobscot County Deputies had performed a bail check on Nicholas Hutchinson and noted a large number of coins in the vehicle.
The investigation led police to a residence in Milford Tuesday, Jan. 4. Police said there were several people inside, but no one would answer the door. One of the individual’s probation officer issued a hold for not cooperating and the State Police obtained a search warrant for the residence.
After the search warrant was executed, police located three people in the residence and Nicholas Hutchinson, 21, of Milford was arrested for violation of bail conditions and was also charged with burglary. Matthew Midgette, 29, and Andrew Grindle, age unavailable, were arrested on probation violations.
Stedman said that the investigation is still ongoing and further charges are likely pending.

(Matthew Midgette, photo courtesy of Penobscot County Jail)

(Andrew Grindle, photo courtesy of Penobscot County Jail)

*Edited 1/9/11 to correct the spelling of Tpr. Fiske's name. Apologies!

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Man arrested for New Year’s domestic assault 


JONESPORT – Maine State Police arrested a Jonesport man for domestic assault.
On Jan. 1, Troopers Mike Southard and Greg Roy responded to a domestic assault complaint in Jonesport. A man reported that Robert Leighton, 26, had assaulted a woman and smashed all of the windows out of her vehicle.
Leighton was found hiding inside the residence and began to resist as he was being taken into custody. He was placed under arrest for domestic assault, criminal threatening, violation of conditions of release and refusing to submit to arrest. Leighton was on bail from a previous domestic assault charge involving the same victim.
He was transported to Downeast Community Hospital to be treated for unrelated facial injuries before being transported to the Washington County jail.

Young, intoxicated and swearing


HARRINGTON – Stumbling down the middle of the road swearing at vehicles is no way to start the New Year. But to each her own.
On Jan 1, Tpr. Greg Roy responded to a report of an intoxicated woman walking down the middle of the road near Narraguagus High School in Harrington. It was reported that the female had also been yelling profanities at passing motorists.
Roy arrested Tiffany Levesque, 20, of Van Buren, for disorderly conduct. Levesque was also summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

New Year’s crimes


BANGOR - Bangor Police Officers logged 163 calls for service between midnight, New Year’s Eve and midnight on Jan. 1, 2011.
Sixteen people were arrested as a result of those calls for minor offenses, most of which involved partying, loud noise and fighting type complaints.
From 12 midnight New Years Eve until 5 a.m., a five hour period, officers responded to 34 calls for service with again, most of those calls involving loud party goers.
The first call of the New Year was to a loud party at the Motel 6 around 12:25 a.m. Two of the party goers were warned for disorderly conduct and taken to a nearby coffee shop, as they were no longer welcome at the motel.
The first arrest in Bangor occurred 12:50 a.m. on Jan. 1, when officers were called to a Union Street residence, where Dallas Alley, 51, of Bangor, wanted the woman in his apartment to leave. While the woman was gathering her belongings to leave, Alley repeatedly lunged at her. The final time, police placed him under arrest for obstructing government administration and taken to Penobscot County Jail.
One person was arrested and charged with OUI at about 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

Teen arrested in snowmobile theft attempt


ORONO/VEAZIE – Police thwarted a snowmobile theft last week and located another stolen snowmobile with the same arrest.
On Dec. 24, Veazie police received a complaint about the theft of a trailer and a snowmobile from behind the Stonehouse Café. The caller told police he was borrowing the trailer from another person to pick up a snowmobile he had recently purchased. Both were taken.
Fast forward to Dec. 28, when Orono police received a call from a resident on Gould’s Landing reporting that someone might be stealing his neighbor’s snowmobile and loading it on to a trailer.
When turning on to Gould’s Landing, the officers saw a GMC pickup with a trailer carrying a snowmobile and stopped it. A 17-year-old juvenile from Orono was driving. As a result of the investigation, the young man was charged with two counts of theft, one from Veazie and one from Orono. Veazie police located the other snowmobile at the juvenile’s residence and were able to return it to its rightful owner.
The juvenile was released into the custody of his mother.

Ringing in the New Year, OUI style


OLD TOWN – An Old Town woman went to jail after allegedly parking her car in a snow bank Saturday evening.
Police received a call that a vehicle had driven into a snow bank on Shelter Lane around 9:57 p.m. on Jan. 1. Officer Jim Fearon located the vehicle on top of a snow bank and partially in the woods with significant damage. Footprints in the snow led away from the vehicle and a witness said the driver had gone into a nearby apartment.
Fearon ran a license check and learned that the registered owner of the vehicle was Rachel Guimond, 28, of Old Town; he was able to locate her at the residence and had her return to the car. After retrieving her insurance and other information from the car, Guimond again attempted to leave. The officer explained that she was not free to leave. He suspected she had been driving under the influence due to the odor of alcohol coming from her. He administered field sobriety tests, but Guimond was not cooperative.
Fearon placed her under arrest for operating under the influence and took her back to the Old Town Police Department for an Intoxilyzer test which showed her breath alcohol to be 0.10 percent. She was then taken to Penobscot County Jail.

High speed chase ends in crash


SCARBOROUGH - State Police say a Vassalboro man faces several charges, including drunk driving, following a high speed chase on Interstate 295 in Scarborough Sunday night. The chase ended when the fleeing car crashed into a second vehicle.
Troopers charged 41-year-old Anthony Teabout with operating under the influence, eluding police and being an aggravated habitual offender. Teabout is being treated at Maine Medical Center for facial and rib injuries sustained in the crash. His driver's license was suspended.
The driver of the other vehicle was 34-year-old Danielle Bailey of Woolwich. Three of the four passengers in Bailey's car were children, and two of them sustained minor injuries.
Trooper Edmund Furtado attempted to pull over Teabout's car at the Exit 42 toll booth of the turnpike because it had no license plate. The 2006 Dodge Charger then sped off, quickly reaching speeds of 100 mph. Teabout lost control of the car about two miles later and it slammed into the rear of Bailey's mini-van.
Both vehicles were demolished.
Teabout has four prior convictions for driving after his driver's license had been suspended.

Where do you think you’re going?


HANCOCK – A man was charged with operating under the influence when deputies responding to a call saw him attempt to drive away.
On Dec. 31, a Hancock woman reported a dispute with a tenant in her apartment building. Deputy Robert Morang responded to the apartment building and observed the other party involved attempting to leave the property in his vehicle. As a result, Roy Grindle, 46, was arrested for operating under the influence.

Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office promotions and new hires

BANGOR – The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office recently promoted two deputies and hired two more.
Deputy John Knappe was promoted to detective and Deputy Roy Peary was promoted to sergeant.

(Detective John Knappe)

Knappe has been in law enforcement for 19 years, starting his career in Orono in 1992, before signing on with Brewer Police from 2000 to 2004. He deployed to Iraq with the Army Reserve with Scout Sniper Squad Leader with the 100th BN 442nd Infantry of Hawaii for a year and half. Upon his return in 2006, he joined the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office. He’s a member of the Special Response Team, which is deployed for high-risk incidents, including stand-offs and home invasions, and was awarded the SRT Member of the Year for 2009.
Knappe looks forward to conducting in-depth investigations for various scenes, including felony-level crimes.

(Sgt. Roy Peary)

Peary has been in law enforcement for around eight years. He began his career with the Old Town Police Department in August of 2003, before moving to the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
As sergeant, he will support the other deputies on his crew, and arriving as backup to any major scenes.
“They’re outstanding employees. They’re dedicated to the agency and show a high level of professionalism and are responsive to the public,” said Chief Deputy Troy Morton.
Steven Saucier and Patty McLaughlin were hired as full-time patrol deputies.
Saucier worked for Searsport Police Department since 2002, and came on full time in 2004.

(Deputy Steven Saucier)

“One thing I like about it is the knowledge that you can make a positive difference in someone’s life,” said Saucier.

(Deputy Patricia McLaughlin)

McLaughlin worked for the Lincoln Police Department for three years. Prior to that she was a dispatcher for the Maine State Police and also worked in the district attorney’s office in Bangor.
“I’ve worked alongside [The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office] for years. I was just looking to become part of the agency,” she said. She noted that the independence of the work and the opportunity for growth were part of the appeal.
“It’s a great group of people to work with,” she said. “I’ve always been a part of their extended family. Now I’ve been welcomed into the fold.”

Man arrested on domestic-related charges

(Dennis Wood, Photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Police arrested a Bangor man and charged him with domestic-related crimes.

On January 4, 2011 at about 630PM, Bangor Police Officers were called to a Langley Street residence to the report of a domestic fight that was taking place.

Information gathered was that a 42-year-old resident, her son 10, and daughter 18, were allegedly assaulted and that the suspect, Dennis Wood, 46, of Bangor, was in possession of a gun. Officers secured the scene and the police department’s Special Response Team (SRT) was called to assist. It was believed that the suspect was holed up in an upstairs bedroom of the apartment on Langley Street, according to police.

While the SRT was clearing the apartment house on Langley Street, additional information was being followed up that the suspect in this case might have fled before police initially arrived at the Langley Street address, and was possibly at a Union Street address. Just as the SRT finished on Langley Street, Officers Jamie Fanning, Mike Brennan and Tim Shaw located the suspect, Dennis Wood of Bangor, at the Union Street address and arrested him without incident.

None of the victims in this incident received medical treatment as injuries were minor, and the suspect remains at the Penobscot County Jail at this time.

Wood was charged with domestic assault, two counts of assault and violation of protection order

Camden names Lt. Randy Gagne chief of police

(Chief Randy Gagne)

CAMDEN – On Jan. 1, Lt. Randy Gagne officially took over the duties of chief of police for the Camden Police Department. He will be taking over for Chief Phil Roberts, who has been chief for 10 years.
Gagne ahs been with the Camden Police Department for more than 21 years, and has been lieutenant for more than eight. He is also the lead instructor for defensive tactics at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
Camden is Gagne’s hometown, and he considers it beneficial to be able to work in the same town where he grew up.
“I think it’s a great thing to work in the community you grew up in because you know the people,” he said. “[Camden] still has the hometown feel and the people are good to deal with.”
Gagne had been second in command at the Camden Police Department, and expressed interest in taking over the chief’s position. After an oral board interview, he was invited back to discuss the position in an open forum and at a select board meeting he was approved to succeed the chief.
“The response that I’ve gotten from the members of the public – people who know me and followed my career – called and expressed congratulations … It’s been very nice. I couldn’t be happier. I appreciate the support of those people and I’ll make sure I do the best job I can in my new position.”

(Sgt. Michael Geary will assume the role of lieutenant this summer)

Sgt. Michael Geary has been appointed to fill Gagne’s position of lieutenant around June of 2011.
“We worked really well together our entire careers,” said Gagne. “He has the most experience as a supervising sergeant.”
Geary became interested in law enforcement after becoming part of a local Explorers program through the sheriff’s office.
“I started riding with them and then went to college. A full time position opened here and I’ve been here ever since,” he said. “I like the challenge. Day to day, nothing is ever repetitive in this job.”

Bangor Police stats for December

Courtesy of Sgt. Paul Edwards of the Bangor Police Department

Total number of calls responded to: 2316
Assault/misdemeanor : 50
Theft/shoplifting, fraud, forgery, etc: 90
Criminal mischief 39
Disorderly conduct/family fight, etc: 149
Emotionally disturbed persons, crisis, wellbeing calls: 188
Burglaries, Residential and from Motor Vehicles 29
Suspicious person/circumstance: 120
Car accident/property damage only: 270
Car accident/persons injured: 16
Alarms responded to: 197

In addition to the above listed calls, Officers also administered the following:
Parking tickets: 952
Arrests (includes criminal summons and juveniles): 188
Traffic stops: 1068

Man arrested on drug charges also charged with New York stabbing

BREWER - Maine Drug Enforcement says a New York man arrested in Brewer last month on drug charges has now been charged with a stabbing in Kingston, New York in November.

Shawn Bradley, 37, a suspected member of a street gang in the Bronx, is now charged with first degree assault by Kingston Police.  Bradley, who has been at the Penobscot County jail since his arrest in Brewer on Dec. 8, is charged in connection with a stabbing of a 33-year-old man in Kingston.

Bradley was arrested in December following violent scuffle with drug agents in which he attempted to grab the agent's guns.  He was also armed with a knife at the time.  MDEA agents contend that t the crack cocaine they seized in the arrest of Bradley and three others, was transported into Maine by him.  Bradley also is a convicted felon, serving several years in a New York jail in connection with the robbery and death of an elderly man.

The New York charge was lodged against Bradley on Dec. 22 after Kingston Police interviewed Bradley at the jail.

*Edited to repair headline 

Area man arrested and charged with arson

(Justin Landry, photo courtesy of Bangor Police)

BANGOR – Police arrested an area man in connection with an arson that occurred on Dec. 20.

Detective Cliff Worcester of the Criminal Investigations Division at the Bangor Police Department arrested Justin M. Landry, 21, no listed address on Dec. 29, in connection with a fire on the Pushaw Road off Finson Road that was reported on Dec. 20 at about 6:15 p.m. Worcester, with the assistance of the Maine State Fire Marshall’s Office, investigated the fire which was quickly determined to have been set intentionally.

Landry was arrested around 12 noon at a Moosehead Blvd. address in Bangor. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with class A felony arson.

Hands-on learning: Finals

This is the final installment of the ongoing blog where I shadowed the 19th BLETP cadets during their defensive tactics MARC course as well as other programs. You can start at the beginning here, or read the feature story as it appeared in The Maine Edge here.

VASSALBORO – In colleges and schools when it’s getting time to graduate that means finals. At the Maine Criminal Justice Academy there are also tests – some written, some very much hands-on.
In the defensive tactics course, the testing was administered in the last couple weeks of class. The cadets had to show that they understood and could apply the techniques and were scored appropriately.

But there was also the practical portion which happened early in December.
The cadets had to engage an instructor in a scenario-based encounter where they had to go hands-on with the subject.

 I’ll only say that both the cadets and the instructors had their work cut out for them.