NEW GLOUCESTER - The woman who was injured in yesterday's shooting, died today at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. An autopsy is likely Tuesday on her body. State Police say there has been no change in the condition of the second shooting victim.
Meanwhile the suspect in the shootings, Joel Hayden, 29, remains under police guard at Maine Medical Center. He has not been charged, but will be as his condition improves.
The car involved in last night's chase is owned by second victim's mother, from New Bedford, Mass. It was towed to a State Police garage and will be examined this week. A team of detectives and evidence technicians have been searching the New Gloucester home today for evidence in connection with the shooting.
Jul 26, 2011
Shooting suspect injured in crash, under guard at hospital
NEW GLOUCESTER - Maine State Police say that the two people shot outside a home in New Gloucester last night remain in grave condition at a Lewiston hospital. In addition, the man suspected of the shootings is in a Portland hospital recovering from injuries sustained when his car, being chased by police, crashed in Lyman.
The shooting victims are 27-year-old woman of New Gloucester and 28-year-old man of New Bedford, Mass. Both are being treated at Central Maine Medical Center.
Under police guard at Maine Medical Center in Portland is Joel Hayden, 29, of New Bedford, who is being treated for back injuries. Hayden was taken into custody after leading State Police on a chase from Saco to Lyman. The chase started after troopers attempted to pull over Hayden's Cadillac after spotting it on the Maine Turnpike.
The female victim and Hayden have four children, the youngest three month old twins, who live with their mother in New Gloucester. The four children were placed in the custody of grandparents following the shooting, which took place about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, outside the woman's residence. Police say the couple has a history of domestic violence.
Police today plan to search the shooting scene and Hayden's car and will continue to monitor the conditions of the two people wounded. Hayden has not been charged in connection with the shootings, but detectives have been keeping the Maine Attorney General's Office updated on the investigation.
The shooting victims are 27-year-old woman of New Gloucester and 28-year-old man of New Bedford, Mass. Both are being treated at Central Maine Medical Center.
Under police guard at Maine Medical Center in Portland is Joel Hayden, 29, of New Bedford, who is being treated for back injuries. Hayden was taken into custody after leading State Police on a chase from Saco to Lyman. The chase started after troopers attempted to pull over Hayden's Cadillac after spotting it on the Maine Turnpike.
The female victim and Hayden have four children, the youngest three month old twins, who live with their mother in New Gloucester. The four children were placed in the custody of grandparents following the shooting, which took place about 6:30 p.m. on July 25, outside the woman's residence. Police say the couple has a history of domestic violence.
Police today plan to search the shooting scene and Hayden's car and will continue to monitor the conditions of the two people wounded. Hayden has not been charged in connection with the shootings, but detectives have been keeping the Maine Attorney General's Office updated on the investigation.
Jul 18, 2011
History in blue
90 years of Maine State Police
By Tpr. Tom Fiske
and Katy England
edge staff writer
kengland@themaineedge.com
For approximately 90 years the Maine State Police have been patrolling the highways and byways of Maine. Tpr. Tom Fiske a patrol trooper from Troop E has been updating and maintaining the history of the Maine State Police, as well as teaching it to would-be troopers attending the Regional Trooper Training at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
“I can’t take complete credit. [The history] was started long before I came along, and I took it and made it my own,” he said. He was hooked after he attended the Maine State Police Academy’s class on the agency’s history.
“I’ve always been interested in history, and that [class] turned me on to it,” he said.
Fiske noted that the history was pieced together from various sources, from newspaper stories from around the state to interviews with family members of former Troopers and Inspectors.
What follows is a brief history of the Maine State Police compiled by Tpr. Fiske, Sgt. Percy Turner and Major Randall Nichols.
Due to space constraints, I’ve boiled down some of the information and given it a narrative format. Any errors or omissions are most likely mine.
In the beginning
In July 1921, the Maine State Highway Patrol was formed with 34 members, known as inspectors, under the State Highway Commission. The organization would add another 35 officers in August. The inspectors were responsible for enforcing motor vehicle laws and collect fees for driver’s licenses and registrations. They drove Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles, and were outfitted in green Army surplus uniforms. In 1922, the State Highway Police were placed under the supervision of the Secretary of State.
It wouldn’t be until 1925 that the Highway Police received more leeway to enforce the law in a broader sense. The governor created a separate department and appointed Arthur H. Field as the first Chief of the State Police. All of the members could now enforce all of the laws in Maine in addition to motor vehicle law, and were issued a motorcycle, pistol and a law book. And they did this for a whopping $28 per week (actually a decent salary back in the ‘20s).
In 1935 the State Highway Police became known as the Maine State Police, formalizing their changing duties and responsibilities. That same year, the department expanded once again, bringing the number of sworn troopers to 100. The next year, automobiles were introduced and a fleet of 47 sedans were purchased at $515 apiece (more like a monthly payment these days). The patrol cars were black and the highway safety vehicles were painted white.
It was also in 1936 that the department was divided into five distinct patrol sections in Wells, Fairfield, Thomaston, Bangor and Presque Isle, with the headquarters located in Augusta.
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, many State Police begin statewide training programs with county and municipal law enforcement agencies. Before the end of the war, more than 25 percent of the agency would take a leave of absence to serve in the armed forces. In the meantime, troopers were issued Thompson submachine guns for the duration of the war.
During this time, troopers were given new duties that included setting up road blocks to ensure that civilians weren’t pleasure driving (i.e. wasting gas, which was being rationed at the time). Police found that most of the violators were workers using government vehicles.
Troopers also monitored traffic along the Route 1 corridor to ensure that drivers were using headlight covers or blackout lights, and troopers were also stationed at bridges and other areas deemed important.
Big moments in MSP history
Investigative work has changed over time, but murder, crime and mayhem remain constants. The Maine State Police have investigated countless crimes throughout the years, but some make bigger headlines than others.
In October 1937, New Jersey State Troopers arrested Paul Dwyer for the murder of Dr. James Littlefield and his wife Lydia. Captain Leon Shepherd processed the crime scene, utilizing emerging technologies in the field.
Throughout the strange course of the trial, both Dwyer and Deputy Sheriff Francis Carroll were convicted of murder. But 11 years later, Carroll was released on a writ of habeas corpus, due in part to evidence that was discovered by Shepherd but excluded at the original trial.
In October of 1947, the Maine State Police radio system became integral in relaying information to firefighters who were battling a forest fire that was sparked in Oxford County and ravaged York, not stopping until it hit the ocean in Kennebunk. The fire reportedly burned over 200,000 acres and killed 15 people.
In 1956, a Limerick man shot and killed his wife and Westbrook Police Chief Pierre Harnois and wounded two state troopers. More than 100 police officers responded to the scene. The gun battle lasted more than five hours before the man took his own life.
Seventy troopers respond to Madawaska to maintain order during the 1971 labor strike at Fraser Paper Co. A confrontation between troopers and strikers and their families resulted in six police vehicles being damaged.
In 1980, 90 troopers were assigned to the Maine State Prison in Thomaston for a six-week prison lockdown. Later that year, two convicts escaped from the Maine State Prison, sparking the longest manhunt in MSP history, which lasted for 22 days. Hundreds of troopers, deputies, wardens and canines participated in the search that ended when Trooper Dennis Hayden of China and his canine located the pair.
When George H.W. Bush was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, troopers became involved with security at his home in Kennebunkport that continues to the present.
In 1983, 150 troopers and detectives provided security for the National Governor’s Conference in Portland, the largest call for troopers in the agency’s history.
In 1997, New England State Police Administrators Conference (NESPAC) was invoked to assist the New Hampshire State Police with investigating an incident where Carl Drega shot and killed two New Hampshire State Troopers, a judge and a news reporter before fleeing in a stolen cruiser. They tracked the gunman to northern Vermont, where two Vermont Troopers were wounded in the final shootout; Drega was also killed. Troopers from the traffic division and criminal investigation division also responded to investigate various crime scenes.
On September 11, 2001, all Maine State Troopers were activated after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in case of further incidents.
In 2002, troopers investigated the deadliest crash in Maine history, where a van with 15 occupants drove off the John’s Bridge in Northern Piscataquis County into the river, drowning 14.
In 2007, President George W. Bush met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at George H.W. Bush’s residence on Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport. Troopers were deployed for the gathering, which took place without incident.
We have the technology
The equipment used by troopers has evolved over the years. Here’s a brief overview of some of their gear from the early days to the present.
1921 – Inspectors are issued Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles to patrol the highway.
1936 – Automobiles replace the motorcycles, though there are still some motorcycles in use.
1937 – The State Bureau of Identification is created to keep all criminal records in the state.
1940 – Roger that; the first two-way radios are being used, and communication centers are established in August, Scarborough and Wells.
1950 – Captain Roger Doyle collaborates with Ford Motor Company to develop the first domestic vehicles specifically upgraded for police patrol.
1956 – Roof lights are installed on patrol vehicles, and the department gets its first polygraph machine.
1976 – The MSP begin using citizen band radios for patrol. The underwater recovery team (i.e. the dive team) is formed as is the State Police Emergency Response Unit (more recently known as the Tactical Team). The Emergency Response Unit is called to Greenwood City that August to deal with a man who had opened fire on two troopers responding to the report of a disturbance. The man is arrested after an all-night standoff.
1978 – The aircraft enforcement unit becomes a permanent part of the agency.
1980 – The first mobile breath alcohol testing device is put into use for rural alcohol enforcement.
1984 – The hostage negotiation team is established.
1986 – The Maine State Crime Laboratory is built.
1988 – The 357 Smith & Wesson revolvers are replaced by 9mm Beretta semiautomatic pistols.
1994 – The bomb disposal team is created.
1995 – Video cameras are installed in cruisers for the first time.
1997 – The State Police Crime Lab is expanded to house a new DNA section.
2003 – Sworn troopers are issued laptop computers, and the agency makes the move to computer-based reporting.
Officer down
It’s no secret that being a Maine State Trooper is a dangerous job, and 10 troopers have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Maine.
1924, Patrolman Emery O. Gooch was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle in Mattawamkeag after joining the Highway Patrol a month prior.
1925, Trooper Fred Foster was killed when his motorcycle struck a horse hauling a load of hay in Belfast.
In 1928, Trooper Frank Wing was killed when his motorcycle collided with an oil truck in Millinocket. Wing had joined the Maine State Police two months earlier.
In 1964, Trooper Charles Black was shot to death responding to an armed robbery at the Maine National Bank in South Berwick.
In 1980, Trooper Thomas Merry was killed after he was struck by a car involved in a high-speed pursuit. Merry had positioned his cruiser as part of a roadblock and was seeking cover when he was hit.
In 1986, Trooper Michael Veilleux was killed when he lost control of his cruiser in Dayton. He had graduated from the State Police Academy the month prior.
In 1989, Detective Giles Landry was shot to death while investigating a report of child abuse in Leeds. The gunman also killed the woman that Landry was speaking with before committing suicide.
In 1994, Trooper Jeffrey Parola was killed when his cruiser crashed in Sidney while he was responding to a domestic violence call as a member of the Tactical Team.
In 1996, Trooper James Griffith was killed when a vehicle collided with his cruiser as he attempted to make a U-turn to pursue a speeding vehicle in Warren.
In 1997, Detective Glenn Strange succumbed to heart problems days after arresting a drunk driver who kicked and punched him in the chest in Linneus. Strange had been promoted to detective weeks before his death.
If you have pieces of Maine State Police history that you would like to share, you can email Tpr. Fiske at Thomas.D.Fiske@Maine.gov.
By Tpr. Tom Fiske
and Katy England
edge staff writer
kengland@themaineedge.com
For approximately 90 years the Maine State Police have been patrolling the highways and byways of Maine. Tpr. Tom Fiske a patrol trooper from Troop E has been updating and maintaining the history of the Maine State Police, as well as teaching it to would-be troopers attending the Regional Trooper Training at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
“I can’t take complete credit. [The history] was started long before I came along, and I took it and made it my own,” he said. He was hooked after he attended the Maine State Police Academy’s class on the agency’s history.
“I’ve always been interested in history, and that [class] turned me on to it,” he said.
Fiske noted that the history was pieced together from various sources, from newspaper stories from around the state to interviews with family members of former Troopers and Inspectors.
What follows is a brief history of the Maine State Police compiled by Tpr. Fiske, Sgt. Percy Turner and Major Randall Nichols.
Due to space constraints, I’ve boiled down some of the information and given it a narrative format. Any errors or omissions are most likely mine.
In the beginning
In July 1921, the Maine State Highway Patrol was formed with 34 members, known as inspectors, under the State Highway Commission. The organization would add another 35 officers in August. The inspectors were responsible for enforcing motor vehicle laws and collect fees for driver’s licenses and registrations. They drove Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles, and were outfitted in green Army surplus uniforms. In 1922, the State Highway Police were placed under the supervision of the Secretary of State.
It wouldn’t be until 1925 that the Highway Police received more leeway to enforce the law in a broader sense. The governor created a separate department and appointed Arthur H. Field as the first Chief of the State Police. All of the members could now enforce all of the laws in Maine in addition to motor vehicle law, and were issued a motorcycle, pistol and a law book. And they did this for a whopping $28 per week (actually a decent salary back in the ‘20s).
In 1935 the State Highway Police became known as the Maine State Police, formalizing their changing duties and responsibilities. That same year, the department expanded once again, bringing the number of sworn troopers to 100. The next year, automobiles were introduced and a fleet of 47 sedans were purchased at $515 apiece (more like a monthly payment these days). The patrol cars were black and the highway safety vehicles were painted white.
It was also in 1936 that the department was divided into five distinct patrol sections in Wells, Fairfield, Thomaston, Bangor and Presque Isle, with the headquarters located in Augusta.
When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, many State Police begin statewide training programs with county and municipal law enforcement agencies. Before the end of the war, more than 25 percent of the agency would take a leave of absence to serve in the armed forces. In the meantime, troopers were issued Thompson submachine guns for the duration of the war.
During this time, troopers were given new duties that included setting up road blocks to ensure that civilians weren’t pleasure driving (i.e. wasting gas, which was being rationed at the time). Police found that most of the violators were workers using government vehicles.
Troopers also monitored traffic along the Route 1 corridor to ensure that drivers were using headlight covers or blackout lights, and troopers were also stationed at bridges and other areas deemed important.
Big moments in MSP history
Investigative work has changed over time, but murder, crime and mayhem remain constants. The Maine State Police have investigated countless crimes throughout the years, but some make bigger headlines than others.
In October 1937, New Jersey State Troopers arrested Paul Dwyer for the murder of Dr. James Littlefield and his wife Lydia. Captain Leon Shepherd processed the crime scene, utilizing emerging technologies in the field.
Throughout the strange course of the trial, both Dwyer and Deputy Sheriff Francis Carroll were convicted of murder. But 11 years later, Carroll was released on a writ of habeas corpus, due in part to evidence that was discovered by Shepherd but excluded at the original trial.
 |
| (Dwyer points out evidence at the scene of the crime) |
In October of 1947, the Maine State Police radio system became integral in relaying information to firefighters who were battling a forest fire that was sparked in Oxford County and ravaged York, not stopping until it hit the ocean in Kennebunk. The fire reportedly burned over 200,000 acres and killed 15 people.
In 1956, a Limerick man shot and killed his wife and Westbrook Police Chief Pierre Harnois and wounded two state troopers. More than 100 police officers responded to the scene. The gun battle lasted more than five hours before the man took his own life.
Seventy troopers respond to Madawaska to maintain order during the 1971 labor strike at Fraser Paper Co. A confrontation between troopers and strikers and their families resulted in six police vehicles being damaged.
In 1980, 90 troopers were assigned to the Maine State Prison in Thomaston for a six-week prison lockdown. Later that year, two convicts escaped from the Maine State Prison, sparking the longest manhunt in MSP history, which lasted for 22 days. Hundreds of troopers, deputies, wardens and canines participated in the search that ended when Trooper Dennis Hayden of China and his canine located the pair.
When George H.W. Bush was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, troopers became involved with security at his home in Kennebunkport that continues to the present.
In 1983, 150 troopers and detectives provided security for the National Governor’s Conference in Portland, the largest call for troopers in the agency’s history.
In 1997, New England State Police Administrators Conference (NESPAC) was invoked to assist the New Hampshire State Police with investigating an incident where Carl Drega shot and killed two New Hampshire State Troopers, a judge and a news reporter before fleeing in a stolen cruiser. They tracked the gunman to northern Vermont, where two Vermont Troopers were wounded in the final shootout; Drega was also killed. Troopers from the traffic division and criminal investigation division also responded to investigate various crime scenes.
On September 11, 2001, all Maine State Troopers were activated after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in case of further incidents.
In 2002, troopers investigated the deadliest crash in Maine history, where a van with 15 occupants drove off the John’s Bridge in Northern Piscataquis County into the river, drowning 14.
In 2007, President George W. Bush met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at George H.W. Bush’s residence on Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport. Troopers were deployed for the gathering, which took place without incident.
We have the technology
The equipment used by troopers has evolved over the years. Here’s a brief overview of some of their gear from the early days to the present.
1921 – Inspectors are issued Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles to patrol the highway.
1936 – Automobiles replace the motorcycles, though there are still some motorcycles in use.
1937 – The State Bureau of Identification is created to keep all criminal records in the state.
1940 – Roger that; the first two-way radios are being used, and communication centers are established in August, Scarborough and Wells.
1950 – Captain Roger Doyle collaborates with Ford Motor Company to develop the first domestic vehicles specifically upgraded for police patrol.
1956 – Roof lights are installed on patrol vehicles, and the department gets its first polygraph machine.
1976 – The MSP begin using citizen band radios for patrol. The underwater recovery team (i.e. the dive team) is formed as is the State Police Emergency Response Unit (more recently known as the Tactical Team). The Emergency Response Unit is called to Greenwood City that August to deal with a man who had opened fire on two troopers responding to the report of a disturbance. The man is arrested after an all-night standoff.
1978 – The aircraft enforcement unit becomes a permanent part of the agency.
1980 – The first mobile breath alcohol testing device is put into use for rural alcohol enforcement.
1984 – The hostage negotiation team is established.
1986 – The Maine State Crime Laboratory is built.
1988 – The 357 Smith & Wesson revolvers are replaced by 9mm Beretta semiautomatic pistols.
1994 – The bomb disposal team is created.
1995 – Video cameras are installed in cruisers for the first time.
1997 – The State Police Crime Lab is expanded to house a new DNA section.
2003 – Sworn troopers are issued laptop computers, and the agency makes the move to computer-based reporting.
Officer down
It’s no secret that being a Maine State Trooper is a dangerous job, and 10 troopers have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Maine.
1925, Trooper Fred Foster was killed when his motorcycle struck a horse hauling a load of hay in Belfast.
In 1928, Trooper Frank Wing was killed when his motorcycle collided with an oil truck in Millinocket. Wing had joined the Maine State Police two months earlier.
In 1964, Trooper Charles Black was shot to death responding to an armed robbery at the Maine National Bank in South Berwick.
In 1980, Trooper Thomas Merry was killed after he was struck by a car involved in a high-speed pursuit. Merry had positioned his cruiser as part of a roadblock and was seeking cover when he was hit.
In 1986, Trooper Michael Veilleux was killed when he lost control of his cruiser in Dayton. He had graduated from the State Police Academy the month prior.
In 1994, Trooper Jeffrey Parola was killed when his cruiser crashed in Sidney while he was responding to a domestic violence call as a member of the Tactical Team.
In 1996, Trooper James Griffith was killed when a vehicle collided with his cruiser as he attempted to make a U-turn to pursue a speeding vehicle in Warren.
If you have pieces of Maine State Police history that you would like to share, you can email Tpr. Fiske at Thomas.D.Fiske@Maine.gov.
Jul 13, 2011
The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief
‘Bath salts’ may be behind ruckus and damage in Brewer
BREWER – A Brewer woman is facing charges after allegedly taking “bath salts” and causing mayhem in a nearby apartment.
On July 10, around 10 a.m., Officers Liz Kelly and Ed Benjamin responded to a Harris Street residence where a neighbor was reporting a possible domestic disturbance under way.
When the officers arrived, they found no one in the house. Another incident was called in on South Main Street where the caller told dispatch that a woman had broken into his apartment and locked herself in the bathroom.
The officers arrived to find the woman they had been called to check on in the previous incident outside of an apartment building yelling, she was identified as Katie McAvoy, 29, of Brewer. Police had to restrain her, as she yelled that someone had a gun and was trying to kill her.
The owner of the South Main apartment told police that McAvoy had reportedly broken the radiator in the bathroom and trashed the apartment. The victim also alleged that McAvoy had attempted to attack his wife and nearly bit her, but he was able to restrain her while his wife called 911.
Another homeowner told police that McAvoy had also reportedly been in his residence. He didn’t see her enter, but saw her as she ran out the back door.
Police determined that McAvoy was under the influence of the substance known colloquially as “bath salts.” Though technically legal, these chemicals can cause erratic behavior and according to the Northern New England Poison Control Center, subjects can suffer from a psychotic break if they take too much.
McAvoy was arrested and taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation. She was also charged with violation of release conditions, criminal trespass and criminal mischief.
Another good reason to change your snow tires
EDDINGTON – Snow tires are out of season, and it’s a good idea to change them. Barring that, if you must keep your studded snow tires, we advise against keeping large amounts of drugs in your car.
On July 1, around 9:30, Dep. Daren Mason was working in Eddington when he heard a car coming down the road because it still sported studded snow tires (studded tires are required to be removed on by May 15), and he began following the vehicle to stop it. The car drove into the Tradewinds store and the deputy spoke with the driver, who identified himself with a false name, but was ultimately identified as Jeremy Ward, 33, of Yarmouth, and he could smell the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
One of the passengers, Cherie Anders, 24, of Portland, claimed she had the marijuana and handed over a marijuana cigarette. The deputy informed the occupants that he would be searching the vehicle and asked them to place their hands where he could see them.
Mason saw Ward reach down to his side and pull out a baggie that contained a white substance. Ignoring the deputy’s orders to stop his action, Ward reportedly placed the bag into his mouth and swallowed it. When Mason ordered Ward to spit it out, Ward reportedly opened his mouth and then said, “There, it’s gone.”
Mason called for a rescue unit, since he felt that Ward had just ingested a considerable amount of cocaine, and then asked Ward to step out of the vehicle. Ward instead lunged at the deputy, driving him into the car door, and after a brief struggle Ward fled into the woods.
Mason called for backup, but stayed with the vehicle, which still contained three people.
Multiple agencies, including Brewer Police, Holden Police, the Maine State Police and other Penobscot Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived. Trooper Seth Edwards and his K9 Boris located Ward hiding in a swampy area approximately a quarter mile away.
A search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of marijuana.
Both Ward and Anders were arrested and taken to Penobscot County Jail. Anders was charged with trafficking marijuana, sale and use of drug paraphernalia and violation of conditions of release. Ward was charged with class C assault on an officer, possession of schedule W drugs, trafficking in marijuana, falsifying physical evidence and failure to give correct name.
That counts as a weapon
BREWER – A man who approached police was ultimately arrested after officers reportedly located contraband on his person.
On July 9, around 12:12 p.m., Officers Ed Benjamin and Kristie Bouchard were approached by a man who appeared agitated, according to police.
The man, who was later identified as Stephen LaCoote, 31, no listed address, claimed that he was being followed, but couldn’t tell the officers who “they” were. He said he had run out of gas and then left on food before finding the officers. Police asked LaCoote if he had any weapons on him and he reportedly replied, “No, just a kitchen knife in my back pocket.” He surrendered the knife to police for safety reasons.
When the officers followed the man to his vehicle, they noticed one of the windows had been smashed out, and he told them that it was broken a few weeks ago. LaCoote gave the officers permission to search the car, and they located a spoon that tested positive for cocaine. He also handed over two syringes from his jacket pocket. He was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation and charged with unlawful possession of schedule W drugs and sale and use of drug paraphernalia.
Another reason not to pick up hitchhikers
ORONO – Though it’s never a good idea to pick up hitchhikers, it turned out to be quite a bad idea in one Orono man’s case.
On July 2, Sgt. Scott Wilcox and Officer David Silk were in the Orono Police Station when someone began pounding on the back door around 8:40 p.m. They answered the door and spoke with Adam Brooks, 37, of Orono, who told the officers that he had picked up a hitchhiker who refused to get out of his car.
Silk took a cruiser to the Circle K, where Brooks left his vehicle and Wilcox walked back with him. They speak with the other man, who claimed that Brooks had stolen money and a phone from him, but a search of Brooks and the vehicle turn up neither, and Brooks denied taking anything from the man.
While doing criminal history checks on both subjects, police learned that there was an active felony warrant for Brooks out of Florida for failure to redeliver hired or leased property valued at $300 or more. The warrant was apparently extraditable, and Florida authorities would be sending someone to fetch Brooks. He was placed under arrest and taken to Penobscot County Jail to await extradition.
Man escapes serious injury in Deer Isle crash
DEER ISLE – A Jackson man escaped serious injury after his car went out of control on the causeway on Deer Isle.
On July 9, Maine State Police investigated a single vehicle crash on the Deer Isle causeway. Tpr. Greg Mitchell determined that a 68-year-old Jackson man was driving his car north on the causeway when it left the road, striking several rocks. A witness told police that the man’s vehicle flipped several times before coming to rest in the road. Police said that it was miraculous that the car didn’t go into the ocean.
The driver was transported to the Blue Hill Hospital for minor injuries. Police noted that the car came to a rest in nearly the same location that the last fatal crash occurred on the causeway earlier this year.
Reminder: Bail conditions get checked
BREWER – A Bucksport woman is facing charges after police discovered contraband in her purse.
On July 8, around 9:28 a.m., Officer Danny Costain and Sgt. Arden Jones were called to a North Main Street. Employees had told dispatch that a man had been in the rest room for over an hour and they were growing concerned.
When officers arrived, they located the group of people crossing the street and identified them. One woman was identified as Alyssa Fleming, 23, of Bucksport, and police learned she had active bail conditions that included submitting to search without probable cause. She reportedly told police that she had items in her purse that she shouldn’t have. They located Suboxone, two needles – one containing fluid – and a rubber band for a tourniquet. Fleming was placed under arrest, taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with violation of conditions of release, possession of schedule drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Mother and son have similar response to charges
OLD TOWN – A teen has been banned from the city park in Old Town and is facing charges after allegedly breaking the railings in the gazebo.
On July 8, Officers James Fearon and Josh Loring received the report that juveniles had been kicking the railings on the gazebo in City Park, breaking them. The caller provided a description.
When the officers caught up with the teens, they identified a 17-year-old male from Old Town as the perpetrator and informed him that he would be receiving a criminal summons and a criminal trespass warning not to return to the City Park. When he heard that, the teen reportedly proclaimed, “This is f—king bulls—t.”
Due to his age, police contacted the juvenile’s mother and informed her about the trespass warning and charges facing her son. The mother reportedly opined, “This is f—king bulls—t.” She also informed Loring that she was no longer on speaking terms with him.
The teen began yelling loudly and swearing, at which point police warned him that he would be arrested if the behavior continued. The mother reportedly told police, “You can’t do that,” and demanded to speak with another officer. Sgt. Scott Casey was called to the scene and both the mother and son were warned for disorderly conduct.
The teen’s girlfriend came out of the house, spoke to both parties and was able to calm them down prior to Sgt. Casey’s arrival. Casey issued the summons for criminal mischief to the teen and the mother signed it.
BREWER – A Brewer woman is facing charges after allegedly taking “bath salts” and causing mayhem in a nearby apartment.
On July 10, around 10 a.m., Officers Liz Kelly and Ed Benjamin responded to a Harris Street residence where a neighbor was reporting a possible domestic disturbance under way.
When the officers arrived, they found no one in the house. Another incident was called in on South Main Street where the caller told dispatch that a woman had broken into his apartment and locked herself in the bathroom.
The officers arrived to find the woman they had been called to check on in the previous incident outside of an apartment building yelling, she was identified as Katie McAvoy, 29, of Brewer. Police had to restrain her, as she yelled that someone had a gun and was trying to kill her.
The owner of the South Main apartment told police that McAvoy had reportedly broken the radiator in the bathroom and trashed the apartment. The victim also alleged that McAvoy had attempted to attack his wife and nearly bit her, but he was able to restrain her while his wife called 911.
Another homeowner told police that McAvoy had also reportedly been in his residence. He didn’t see her enter, but saw her as she ran out the back door.
Police determined that McAvoy was under the influence of the substance known colloquially as “bath salts.” Though technically legal, these chemicals can cause erratic behavior and according to the Northern New England Poison Control Center, subjects can suffer from a psychotic break if they take too much.
McAvoy was arrested and taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation. She was also charged with violation of release conditions, criminal trespass and criminal mischief.
Another good reason to change your snow tires
EDDINGTON – Snow tires are out of season, and it’s a good idea to change them. Barring that, if you must keep your studded snow tires, we advise against keeping large amounts of drugs in your car.
On July 1, around 9:30, Dep. Daren Mason was working in Eddington when he heard a car coming down the road because it still sported studded snow tires (studded tires are required to be removed on by May 15), and he began following the vehicle to stop it. The car drove into the Tradewinds store and the deputy spoke with the driver, who identified himself with a false name, but was ultimately identified as Jeremy Ward, 33, of Yarmouth, and he could smell the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.
One of the passengers, Cherie Anders, 24, of Portland, claimed she had the marijuana and handed over a marijuana cigarette. The deputy informed the occupants that he would be searching the vehicle and asked them to place their hands where he could see them.
Mason saw Ward reach down to his side and pull out a baggie that contained a white substance. Ignoring the deputy’s orders to stop his action, Ward reportedly placed the bag into his mouth and swallowed it. When Mason ordered Ward to spit it out, Ward reportedly opened his mouth and then said, “There, it’s gone.”
Mason called for a rescue unit, since he felt that Ward had just ingested a considerable amount of cocaine, and then asked Ward to step out of the vehicle. Ward instead lunged at the deputy, driving him into the car door, and after a brief struggle Ward fled into the woods.
Mason called for backup, but stayed with the vehicle, which still contained three people.
Multiple agencies, including Brewer Police, Holden Police, the Maine State Police and other Penobscot Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived. Trooper Seth Edwards and his K9 Boris located Ward hiding in a swampy area approximately a quarter mile away.
A search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of marijuana.
Both Ward and Anders were arrested and taken to Penobscot County Jail. Anders was charged with trafficking marijuana, sale and use of drug paraphernalia and violation of conditions of release. Ward was charged with class C assault on an officer, possession of schedule W drugs, trafficking in marijuana, falsifying physical evidence and failure to give correct name.
That counts as a weapon
BREWER – A man who approached police was ultimately arrested after officers reportedly located contraband on his person.
On July 9, around 12:12 p.m., Officers Ed Benjamin and Kristie Bouchard were approached by a man who appeared agitated, according to police.
The man, who was later identified as Stephen LaCoote, 31, no listed address, claimed that he was being followed, but couldn’t tell the officers who “they” were. He said he had run out of gas and then left on food before finding the officers. Police asked LaCoote if he had any weapons on him and he reportedly replied, “No, just a kitchen knife in my back pocket.” He surrendered the knife to police for safety reasons.
When the officers followed the man to his vehicle, they noticed one of the windows had been smashed out, and he told them that it was broken a few weeks ago. LaCoote gave the officers permission to search the car, and they located a spoon that tested positive for cocaine. He also handed over two syringes from his jacket pocket. He was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation and charged with unlawful possession of schedule W drugs and sale and use of drug paraphernalia.
Another reason not to pick up hitchhikers
ORONO – Though it’s never a good idea to pick up hitchhikers, it turned out to be quite a bad idea in one Orono man’s case.
On July 2, Sgt. Scott Wilcox and Officer David Silk were in the Orono Police Station when someone began pounding on the back door around 8:40 p.m. They answered the door and spoke with Adam Brooks, 37, of Orono, who told the officers that he had picked up a hitchhiker who refused to get out of his car.
Silk took a cruiser to the Circle K, where Brooks left his vehicle and Wilcox walked back with him. They speak with the other man, who claimed that Brooks had stolen money and a phone from him, but a search of Brooks and the vehicle turn up neither, and Brooks denied taking anything from the man.
While doing criminal history checks on both subjects, police learned that there was an active felony warrant for Brooks out of Florida for failure to redeliver hired or leased property valued at $300 or more. The warrant was apparently extraditable, and Florida authorities would be sending someone to fetch Brooks. He was placed under arrest and taken to Penobscot County Jail to await extradition.
Man escapes serious injury in Deer Isle crash
DEER ISLE – A Jackson man escaped serious injury after his car went out of control on the causeway on Deer Isle.
On July 9, Maine State Police investigated a single vehicle crash on the Deer Isle causeway. Tpr. Greg Mitchell determined that a 68-year-old Jackson man was driving his car north on the causeway when it left the road, striking several rocks. A witness told police that the man’s vehicle flipped several times before coming to rest in the road. Police said that it was miraculous that the car didn’t go into the ocean.
The driver was transported to the Blue Hill Hospital for minor injuries. Police noted that the car came to a rest in nearly the same location that the last fatal crash occurred on the causeway earlier this year.
Reminder: Bail conditions get checked
BREWER – A Bucksport woman is facing charges after police discovered contraband in her purse.
On July 8, around 9:28 a.m., Officer Danny Costain and Sgt. Arden Jones were called to a North Main Street. Employees had told dispatch that a man had been in the rest room for over an hour and they were growing concerned.
When officers arrived, they located the group of people crossing the street and identified them. One woman was identified as Alyssa Fleming, 23, of Bucksport, and police learned she had active bail conditions that included submitting to search without probable cause. She reportedly told police that she had items in her purse that she shouldn’t have. They located Suboxone, two needles – one containing fluid – and a rubber band for a tourniquet. Fleming was placed under arrest, taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with violation of conditions of release, possession of schedule drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Mother and son have similar response to charges
OLD TOWN – A teen has been banned from the city park in Old Town and is facing charges after allegedly breaking the railings in the gazebo.
On July 8, Officers James Fearon and Josh Loring received the report that juveniles had been kicking the railings on the gazebo in City Park, breaking them. The caller provided a description.
When the officers caught up with the teens, they identified a 17-year-old male from Old Town as the perpetrator and informed him that he would be receiving a criminal summons and a criminal trespass warning not to return to the City Park. When he heard that, the teen reportedly proclaimed, “This is f—king bulls—t.”
Due to his age, police contacted the juvenile’s mother and informed her about the trespass warning and charges facing her son. The mother reportedly opined, “This is f—king bulls—t.” She also informed Loring that she was no longer on speaking terms with him.
The teen began yelling loudly and swearing, at which point police warned him that he would be arrested if the behavior continued. The mother reportedly told police, “You can’t do that,” and demanded to speak with another officer. Sgt. Scott Casey was called to the scene and both the mother and son were warned for disorderly conduct.
The teen’s girlfriend came out of the house, spoke to both parties and was able to calm them down prior to Sgt. Casey’s arrival. Casey issued the summons for criminal mischief to the teen and the mother signed it.
Jul 1, 2011
The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief
High speed chase ends in crash, running, felony charges
ORONO – A man who reportedly led police on a high speed chase through Orono is facing felony charges. No word on if his friend is upset that he dumped his motorcycle.
On June 24, around 12:21 a.m., Sgt. Scott Scripture was parked at the Circle K on Main Street and saw three motorcycles turn down Pine Street. A few moments later, two of the motorcycles came back up Pine Street, but the third drove the wrong way up Mill Street, a one way street, before turning right onto Main Street.
Scripture attempted to stop the motorcycle as it crossed the bridge, but the vehicle began accelerating. At the intersection of Main Street, College Avenue and Park Street, the motorcycle driver turned onto College Avenue in front of Trooper Chris Hashey who joined the pursuit, taking the lead.
The motorcycle traveled into Old Town, where police noted it had crashed into the curb and the driver had fled on foot.
Police were able to track down the registered owner of the vehicle, who informed them that Josey Mackin, 28, of Brewer, was driving it that night.
Mackin contacted police and agreed to come to the station. After the interview, he was charged with class C felony eluding an officer.
Captain Ewing said that further charges have been suggested to the district attorney’s office, including failing to stop, operating without a license, operating the wrong way on a one way, driving to endanger, criminal speed, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident by the quickest means.
He was taken to Penobscot County Jail.
Erratic driver arrested for OUI
ETNA/STETSON – A caller alerted police to an erratic driver that ended in arrest last Wednesday.
On June 22, around 9:58 p.m., Troopers Adam Coover, Michael Johnston and Sgt. Sean Hashey were called to I-95 for a report of an erratic driver weaving and speeding around 90 to 100 miles per hour.
The vehicle exited at 167 in Etna and travelled onto Rte 143, where the operation continued to be very poor, according to police.
Johnston stopped the vehicle in Stetson and arrested Mark Piccirrillo, 55, no address available, for operating under the influence.
Man brandishes pellet gun
GREENBUSH –Police were called to Greenbush to deal with a former tenant who was making trouble for the current resident.
On June 20, around 1:56 p.m., Tpr. Chris Foxworthy investigated a complaint in Greenbush where the caller stated that a former tenant was threatening to go to the trailer they used to rent and break all the glass.
While Foxworthy was en route, the landlord for the property called back and said that the former tenant, later identified as Daniel Libby, 20, of Milford, had run the current tenant off the road and in the process a passenger pointed a gun at the current tenant.
Investigation revealed the gun to be a pellet gun. Libby was charged with operating after suspension and his vehicle was towed from the scene.
Four people charged in brawl
HARRINGTON – Four people were arrested after a reported brawl last Friday.
On June 24, Tpr. Miles Carpenter responded to a report of a fight in Harrington, where Matthew Hart, 26, of Milbridge; Carolyn Engels, 43, of Harrington; David Engels, 39, of Harrington and Randy Swindell, 46, of Harrington were all arrested for disorderly conduct.
Detective Elmer Farren, Tpr. Andrew Foss, Washington SO and Milbridge PD assisted.
Since everything appears in order, you might want to pick up your wife
SEDGEWICK – On June 26, Tpr. Daniel Ryan conducted a well-being check on an 84-year-old man of Sedgwick after he did not arrive to pick up his wife at the airport. He was found at home and advised to pick her up.
Teens charged with trespassing
TOWNSHIP 3 ND – Two teens were charged with trespassing at a camp after the property owner caught them and held them until police arrived.
On June 25, Sgt. Tim Varney, Tpr. David Barnard and Tpr. Jarod Stedman responded to West Lake in T3 ND after a camp owner called Orono advising that he was detaining two young men who had broken into a nearby camp.
The investigation revealed that Jason Teifert, 18, and Dustin Homsted, 18, had gone into a camp that was under construction to look around at midnight. Both men were summoned for criminal trespass.
Trenton man facing domestic assault charges
TRENTON – A Trenton man is facing domestic assault charges after being arrested on Friday.
On June 24, Tpr. Greg Roy and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a domestic assault complaint in Trenton. A woman reported that her 2-year-old child had woken at approximately 5 a.m. and began crying. John Pratt, 34, became upset and began slapping the child.
Pratt then grabbed the woman and threw her on the floor as she was trying to leave with the child. He then left the residence in their vehicle.
Pratt was located a short time later and was arrested for domestic assault. He was also summoned for operating after suspension.
ORONO – A man who reportedly led police on a high speed chase through Orono is facing felony charges. No word on if his friend is upset that he dumped his motorcycle.
On June 24, around 12:21 a.m., Sgt. Scott Scripture was parked at the Circle K on Main Street and saw three motorcycles turn down Pine Street. A few moments later, two of the motorcycles came back up Pine Street, but the third drove the wrong way up Mill Street, a one way street, before turning right onto Main Street.
Scripture attempted to stop the motorcycle as it crossed the bridge, but the vehicle began accelerating. At the intersection of Main Street, College Avenue and Park Street, the motorcycle driver turned onto College Avenue in front of Trooper Chris Hashey who joined the pursuit, taking the lead.
The motorcycle traveled into Old Town, where police noted it had crashed into the curb and the driver had fled on foot.
Police were able to track down the registered owner of the vehicle, who informed them that Josey Mackin, 28, of Brewer, was driving it that night.
Mackin contacted police and agreed to come to the station. After the interview, he was charged with class C felony eluding an officer.
Captain Ewing said that further charges have been suggested to the district attorney’s office, including failing to stop, operating without a license, operating the wrong way on a one way, driving to endanger, criminal speed, leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report an accident by the quickest means.
He was taken to Penobscot County Jail.
Erratic driver arrested for OUI
ETNA/STETSON – A caller alerted police to an erratic driver that ended in arrest last Wednesday.
On June 22, around 9:58 p.m., Troopers Adam Coover, Michael Johnston and Sgt. Sean Hashey were called to I-95 for a report of an erratic driver weaving and speeding around 90 to 100 miles per hour.
The vehicle exited at 167 in Etna and travelled onto Rte 143, where the operation continued to be very poor, according to police.
Johnston stopped the vehicle in Stetson and arrested Mark Piccirrillo, 55, no address available, for operating under the influence.
Man brandishes pellet gun
GREENBUSH –Police were called to Greenbush to deal with a former tenant who was making trouble for the current resident.
On June 20, around 1:56 p.m., Tpr. Chris Foxworthy investigated a complaint in Greenbush where the caller stated that a former tenant was threatening to go to the trailer they used to rent and break all the glass.
While Foxworthy was en route, the landlord for the property called back and said that the former tenant, later identified as Daniel Libby, 20, of Milford, had run the current tenant off the road and in the process a passenger pointed a gun at the current tenant.
Investigation revealed the gun to be a pellet gun. Libby was charged with operating after suspension and his vehicle was towed from the scene.
Four people charged in brawl
HARRINGTON – Four people were arrested after a reported brawl last Friday.
On June 24, Tpr. Miles Carpenter responded to a report of a fight in Harrington, where Matthew Hart, 26, of Milbridge; Carolyn Engels, 43, of Harrington; David Engels, 39, of Harrington and Randy Swindell, 46, of Harrington were all arrested for disorderly conduct.
Detective Elmer Farren, Tpr. Andrew Foss, Washington SO and Milbridge PD assisted.
Since everything appears in order, you might want to pick up your wife
SEDGEWICK – On June 26, Tpr. Daniel Ryan conducted a well-being check on an 84-year-old man of Sedgwick after he did not arrive to pick up his wife at the airport. He was found at home and advised to pick her up.
Teens charged with trespassing
TOWNSHIP 3 ND – Two teens were charged with trespassing at a camp after the property owner caught them and held them until police arrived.
On June 25, Sgt. Tim Varney, Tpr. David Barnard and Tpr. Jarod Stedman responded to West Lake in T3 ND after a camp owner called Orono advising that he was detaining two young men who had broken into a nearby camp.
The investigation revealed that Jason Teifert, 18, and Dustin Homsted, 18, had gone into a camp that was under construction to look around at midnight. Both men were summoned for criminal trespass.
Trenton man facing domestic assault charges
TRENTON – A Trenton man is facing domestic assault charges after being arrested on Friday.
On June 24, Tpr. Greg Roy and Sgt. Alden Bustard responded to a domestic assault complaint in Trenton. A woman reported that her 2-year-old child had woken at approximately 5 a.m. and began crying. John Pratt, 34, became upset and began slapping the child.
Pratt then grabbed the woman and threw her on the floor as she was trying to leave with the child. He then left the residence in their vehicle.
Pratt was located a short time later and was arrested for domestic assault. He was also summoned for operating after suspension.
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