Early Morning Car Fire Destroys Vehicle in Bar Harbor
POLICE LOGS: Deer (and a pole) Wreak Havoc on Vehicles on MDI
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BAR HARBOR—On Tuesday, November 26, at approximately 5:40 a.m., Tyler Hiles, 20, of Holden, was driving a 2016 Kia Sorrento south on Route 3 in Bar Harbor when, according to Bar Harbor Fire Chief Matt Bartlett, Hiles heard a “pop.” Following the noise, Hiles soon saw smoke coming from the vehicle and pulled over to retrieve some tools and personal items from the vehicle.
The fire spread and the vehicle quickly became fully engulfed. “It was fully involved when we got there,” said Bartlett. There were no injuries and the car, which was towed from the scene by D.C. Towing, was a total loss.
BAR HARBOR—On Thursday, November 21, Lee Darrick, 32, of Bangor, was driving an unidentified vehicle east on Route 3 in Bar Harbor and struck a deer in the roadway. There were no reported injuries and the vehicle sustained functional damage to the passenger’s side.
MOUNT DESERT—On Saturday, November 23, Officer Kaleb Payson was driving a Town of Mount Desert police cruiser when he “was involved in a car vs deer crash” on Sound Drive in Mount Desert. No injury was reported and the cruiser sustained reportable damage. The crash is being investigated by the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
From the Southwest Harbor Police Department press release, Kaleb Payson, 26, of Lamoine, was driving a Ford F150, no year given, in Mount Desert, when a deer ran into the roadway and was struck by the truck. There was no personal injury and the truck was towed by DC Towing.
MOUNT DESERT—On Sunday, November 24, Keith Champoux, 53, of Acton, Massachusetts, was involved in a car and deer crash on Main Street in Mount Desert while driving a 2018 Volkswagen Golf. The crash was initially reported by a third party. Champoux allegedly did not report the crash for four and a half hours, so it could not be properly investigated nor did it meet reportable crash standards according to Officer Mora. There were no reported injuries.
BAR HARBOR—On Sunday, November 24, Kevin Buck, 67, of Tremont, was driving a 2022 Ford F150 on Route 102 in Bar Harbor when a deer ran into the side of the truck. There were no reported injuries and the truck sustained dents to both passenger side doors.
BAR HARBOR—On Sunday, November 24, Shawn David, 25, of Bar Harbor, was driving a 2018 Toyota RAV4 west on Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor when the RAV4 struck a telephone pole on the side of the road. David complained of chest pain at the scene and was checked by Bar Harbor Ambulance personnel but refused transport to the hospital. The RAV4 sustained extensive front-end damage and was towed by DC Towing.
MOUNT DESERT—On Sunday, November 24, Max Jordan, 28, of Otter Creek, was driving a 2017 Subaru Forester north on Main Street in Mount Desert when a deer entered the roadway and was struck by the Subaru. There were no reported injuries and the Subaru suffered disabling front-end damage and was towed by DC Towing.
BAR HARBOR AND MOUNT DESERT POLICE LOGS
The following incidents occurred in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert last week according to the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department police logs, which is publicly released information.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Officer Troy Stanwood spoke with someone in Bar Harbor about an ongoing civil issue.
Officer Justin Burnett took a report of a threatening voicemail in Bar Harbor.
Officer Burnett performed a well-being check on someone in Bar Harbor. No further information or disposition was given.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Someone in Mount Desert reported to Officer Caleb Mora that a truck had been abandoned on private property. The truck was towed at the owner’s expense and the owner was warned for littering.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Jeffrey Gulin, 28, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was summonsed for alleged criminal speed by Officer Mora.
Someone in Bar Harbor reported some information to Officer Shelby O’Neil.
Following a traffic stop in Mount Desert, Theodore Provost Jr., 48, of Southwest Harbor, was arrested by Officer Mora for alleged operating a motor vehicle after revocation and alleged violation of conditions of release. Provost was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
The Bar Harbor Police Department received a report of a motor vehicle being operated in an erratic manner. No further information or disposition was given.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Officer Judson Cake spoke with someone in Bar Harbor regarding a family issue.
As a result of a 911 call in Bar Harbor, Officer J. Cake set up a meeting for someone to meet with the police department’s Mental Health Liaison Melissa Tozier.
Tozier met with someone in Bar Harbor to discuss life stressors.
A Mount Desert resident reported a trespassing man to Officer Amie Torrey. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Zack Kline was on the phone with someone in Bar Harbor who was reporting a possible missing person when the possible missing person contacted the complainant and said that they were fine.
After receiving a report of gunshots in Bar Harbor, Officer Theodore Cake patrolled the area but could not locate the source.
Officer T. Cake gave a ride to someone to Town Hill.
Officer T. Cake received a report of suspicious behavior in Mount Desert but could not locate the source of the complaint after patrolling the area.
Sgt. Chris Dickens took a report of a flagger almost being struck by a passing vehicle on the Pretty Marsh Road in Mount Desert.
Officer Nathan Formby was advised of a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Friday, November 22, 2024
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Formby arrested Jordan Hodgdon, 28, of Tremont, for alleged operating after revocation.
Claire Dorwart, 29, of Bar Harbor, was summonsed by Officer Mora for a traffic infraction after allegedly passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing in Mount Desert.
Officer Stanwood provided blue emergency lights at the school crossing in Bar Harbor due to an early release.
Officer Stanwood is investigating a report of check theft and fraud in Bar Harbor.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
An officer assisted a Bar Harbor resident with a property exchange in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood took a report of a downed power line in Northeast Harbor. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Mora performed a well-being check in Bar Harbor and found the person to be fine.
After receiving a report of two people fishing with spearguns in Bar Harbor, Officer Mora was unable to locate any such activity.
Officer Stanwood attempted to locate someone in Bar Harbor with an active arrest warrant. No further information or disposition was given.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Richard Mellen, 34, of Connecticut, was arrested by Officer Burnett for alleged operating under the influence. Mellen was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Sgt. Doug Brundrett performed a well-being check on a member of the Good Morning Program in Bar Harbor and found them to be fine.
An officer responded to an SOS 911 activation on Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor. It was determined to be an accidental activation.
Officer Mora responded to a complaint of previous tenants arguing in Bar Harbor. No crimes were committed and the involved people were sent their separate ways.
Officer Liam Harrington assisted someone in need in Bar Harbor.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR AND TREMONT
The following incidents occurred in Southwest Harbor or Tremont last week according to the Southwest Harbor Police Department police log, which is publicly released information.
Monday, November 18, 2024
Chief John Hall responded to the Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor to assist with a child who had run out of the school towards the road. Upon Chief Hall’s arrival, the child was being escorted back into the school.
Chief Hall fingerprinted someone for employment purposes at the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Sgt. Ryan Blakeney had someone give him some information at the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
Sgt. Blakeney fingerprinted someone at the Southwest Harbor Police Department at the request of the person who was fingerprinted.
Sgt. Blakeney received a report of injured wildlife on a roadway in Southwest Harbor but was unable to locate the injured wildlife.
The Southwest Harbor Police Department received an alarm from a Southwest Harbor business but the complainant called back to cancel the alarm prior to an officer responding.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to Tremont for a report of gunshots close to a roadway. Sgt. Blakeney was unable to locate any further gunshots.
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Before Officer Bradley Russell could respond to a burglar alarm in Southwest Harbor, the alarm company called back to report it as a false alarm.
Someone called the Southwest Harbor Police Department saying that they had concerns about the welfare of an animal and were wondering what their options were to try and help the animals well-being.
Officer Russell responded to a report of a vehicle that had pulled over in Southwest Harbor with an occupant who was having a health issue. Officer Russell could not locate the vehicle.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Sgt. Blakeney was responding to a business burglar alarm in Southwest Harbor, but the alarm company called back to report it as a false alarm while he was still in route.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to an open-door complaint at a Southwest Harbor residence. Sgt. Blakeney could find nothing amiss and he secured the door.
Sgt. Blakeney assisted a local resident by providing an escort for an oversized load on Main Street in Southwest Harbor.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to a report of a loose dog in Southwest Harbor but was unable to locate the dog.
Officer Russell spoke with someone on the phone regarding weapons being missing from their residence but discovered it was a civil issue with another person.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to Tremont for a report of a suspicious vehicle driving on a road but could not locate the vehicle nor any suspicious activity.
Friday, November 22, 2024
A Tremont resident brought a dog that they had found to the Southwest Harbor Police Department. A Facebook post was made by the police department and the owner was determined and came to retrieve the dog.
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Officer Russell responded to a complaint of two dogs running in the roadway in Southwest Harbor but failed to locate the dogs.
Officer Russell assisted the Southwest Harbor Fire Department with a structure fire in Southwest Harbor.
Someone called the Southwest Harbor Police Department looking for resources that could possibly help them with an injured deer. Officer Russell provided the caller with the information for some different agencies that could help them with their issue.
Officer Russell responded to a complaint regarding a loose dog in Southwest Harbor and by the time he arrived, the dog’s owner had been located.
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Sgt. Blakeney responded to a business alarm in Southwest Harbor and found the building to be secure with no apparent issues.
STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASES
These are the Maine State Police press releases from the last few days. The Bar Harbor Story will include these each week though most (and sometimes all) do not occur on Mount Desert Island.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Fire at Apartment Building in Wells
WELLS—On Monday, November 18, 2024, at approximately 7:39 p.m., the Office of the State Fire Marshal (FMO) was requested to respond to a multi-unit apartment complex fire on Sanford Road. The Wells Fire Chief reported that several units were involved in the fire. Residents inside the building were able to get out safely and no injuries were reported. Fire investigators from the FMO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) responded to process the scene and conduct numerous interviews. Investigators determined that the fire started outside near a porch and was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials.
Maine State Police Arrests Wrong Way Driver on I-95 in Aroostook County
OAKFIELD—On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at approximately 12:00 a.m., troopers from Troop F responded to the report of a wrong way driver on I-95 at mile marker 266. Trooper Noah Castonguay responded and attempted to stop the vehicle, a 2019 Honda Accord, at mile marker 281 with his lights and siren activated in the roadway facing the oncoming vehicle. The vehicle continued toward Trooper Castonguay. Trooper Castonguay swerved to avoid a head on collision and the vehicle continued north in the Southbound lane. Trooper Castonguay used a crossover to travel north and intercept the vehicle at mile marker 286.
To address the imminent risk, Trooper Castonguay used his cruiser to strike the passenger side of the vehicle as it passed him in the crossover at mile marker 286 in Oakfield. The collision caused the operator of the vehicle to stop. Trooper Castonguay placed the operator, 75-year-old James Burch, of Freeport, in custody. Burch was transported to the Aroostook County Jail where he was charged with criminal OUI, aggravated driving to endanger, and passing a roadblock. Neither Trooper Castonguay nor Burch were injured in the collision.
Maine State Police Investigating Concerning Call to Maine General in Gardiner
GARDINER—On Wednesday morning, November 20, 2024, an adult male contacted Maine General Gardiner outpatient facility located at 5 Central Maine Crossing, in Gardiner. During the call the individual left a voicemail expressing frustration and leaving comments that raised concern with the staff. In response, the facility contacted law enforcement and out of an abundance of caution closed the facility for the day. A short time later the individual who made the call voluntarily checked himself into a local hospital for an evaluation. The situation remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Maine State Police Investigating Shooting Death in Lincoln
LINCOLN—On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at approximately 9:25 a.m., Lincoln police responded to a 911 call from a residence located at 614 Mohawk Road, Lincoln. The caller reported a shooting had occurred at the residence. Responding law enforcement officers discovered a deceased person at the scene.
Members of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North responded and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death. Members of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team were dispatched to the scene and worked to process available evidence throughout the night. The MSP believes this is an isolated incident with no ongoing public safety concerns. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Acton Man Dies After Suffering Burns in Outdoor Fire
ACTON—On Sunday, November 17, 2024, at approximately 10:46 a.m., the Office of the State Fire Marshal Office (FMO) was called to 151 Ice Road, in Acton, to assist the Maine Forest Service (MFS) with investigating a fire that resulted in a serious injury. The cause of the fire is still under investigation; however, the fire appears to have originated outdoors. Nearby woods and a shed also sustained damage from the fire.
FMO investigators learned that the homeowner, 64-year-old Volney Spalding, received severe burns to his upper body while trying to suppress the fire. Mr. Spalding was subsequently transported by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland. On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the FMO was notified that Mr. Spalding had passed away. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta will determine the cause and manner of his death. MFS is continuing to investigate the cause of the outdoor fire.
Multi-Agency Operation Targets Child Exploitation in Maine
MAINE—The Maine State Police in cooperation with Homeland Security Investigations, Sanford Police Department, Eliot Police Department, Kittery Police Department, Biddeford Police Department, Fryeburg Police Department, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office conducted a focused child exploitation enforcement operation in western and southern Maine over the course of four days this week. In all, 16 search warrants were executed confirming the possession, dissemination, and production of child sexual abuse material as well as disseminating sexually explicit material to minors and on-line coercion of children to produce sexual abuse material.
Warrants and other related investigations were executed in Lyman, Limington, Hollis, Biddeford, Kittery, Eliot, Arundel, Steep Falls, North Waterboro, Sanford, Fryeburg, Bryant Pond, Hiram, West Paris, Hartford, Norway, and Madison. Once completed, the investigations will be turned into the area district attorney offices or the U.S. Attorney for review and grand jury presentation.
Two people were arrested on related charges during the operation. Shawn Ramsay, 48, of Arundel, was arrested for possession of firearms in violation of a protection from abuse order. Benjamin Fecteau, 37, of Eliot, was arrested on two outstanding arrest warrants for failing to appear on charges of failure to comply with sex offender registry, violation of conditions of release, theft, and refusing to submit to arrest. The investigation is ongoing.
Maine State Police Investigating Homicide in Lincoln
LINCOLN—On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at approximately 9:25 a.m., the Lincoln Police Department responded to a 911 call from a residence located at 614 Mohawk Road, Lincoln. The caller reported a shooting had occurred at the residence. Responding law enforcement officers discovered a deceased male at the scene.
Members of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North responded and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. On Thursday, November 21, 2024, an autopsy was performed at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where the cause of death was determined to be gunshot wounds, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation has led investigators to believe that the decedent is Jason Nadeau, 51, of Lincoln. Members of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team have processed the scene. The MSP has identified all involved parties, and no arrests have been made at this time. However, MSP believes this is an isolated incident with no ongoing public safety concerns. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Maine State Police Arrest Swans Island Man for Unlawful Firearm Possession
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On Friday, November 22, 2024, at approximately 7:40 a.m., the Maine State Police Northern Field Troop with the assistance of the Maine State Police Tactical Team arrested Joshua White, 45, of Swans Island, in Southwest Harbor. The arrest was the result of an investigation into White who is a felon and was unlawfully possessing firearms. A firearm was located in White’s vehicle at the time of his arrest. A search warrant of White’s residence on Swans Island also yielded additional firearms.
White was arrested without incident and transported to the Hancock County Jail where he was charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Maine Marine Patrol Assisted. The investigation is ongoing.
Maine State Police Investigating Three-Vehicle Crash in Auburn
AUBURN—On Friday, November 22, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash at mile marker 75 northbound on the Maine Turnpike in Auburn. The initial investigation indicates that a passenger vehicle traveling northbound lost control and spun out before coming to rest in the roadway. Subsequently that vehicle was struck by a box truck and the box truck then struck a tractor trailer unit. After striking the tractor trailer unit the box truck rolled over the guard rail coming to rest partially down an embankment.
The only person injured was the driver of the box truck and he was transported to Central Maine Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Traffic was reduced to one lane for 2 ½ hours for the removal of the box truck and tractor trailer unit. The Maine State Police were assisted by the Maine Turnpike Authority, State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, and The Auburn Fire Department. Copp Motors removed both the box truck and tractor trailer unit. The crash remains under investigation however speed combined with wet roads are contributing factors.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fatal House Fire in Amity
AMITY—On Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., the Office of the State Fire Marshal was called by the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department to 44 Emily Drive in Amity for a report of a structure fire. The Houlton Fire Department found the building heavily damaged by fire. FMO Investigators responded and subsequently located human remains in amongst the fire debris. Those remains will be transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for positive identification. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Maine State Police Investigating Shooting in Belgrade
BELGRADE—On Sunday, November 24, 2024, at approximately 11:03 a.m., the Augusta Regional Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence on Point Road in Belgrade. Troopers responded along with Belgrade Rescue and Delta Ambulance. An adult female, Christina Bell, 58, who lives at the residence was transported via LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland with serious injuries. She was later transported to a Boston hospital. She is expected to survive.
An adult male, identified as her son, Samuel Bell, 26, left the residence in his vehicle and was taken into custody by troopers without incident a short distance away on Guptill Road. He did not live at the residence with his parents. Samuel Bell was arrested and transported to the Kennebeck County Correctional Facility where he has been charged with attempted murder and elevated aggravated assault. He is cooperating with the investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fatal Fire in Bangor
BANGOR—On November 25, 2024, at approximately 5:22 a.m., a 911 call was placed reporting a structure fire at 62 Fairways in Bangor. The Bangor Fire Department and Bangor Police Department responded to find a single-family dwelling involved in fire.
Bangor Fire quickly knocked down the fire and located one victim who had perished in the fire. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was called in to conduct the investigation which is standard protocol with all fatal fire incidents. A team of investigators were on scene with the Bangor Fire Department working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
The victim is tentatively identified as the sole occupant/owner of the property, Carla Durgin, 84. The victim has been transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy will be performed to confirm positive identification. The Bangor Fire Department was assisted by the Air National Guard which is their closest mutual aid department.
UPDATED: Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fatal Fire in Bangor
BANGOR—On November 10, 2024, at approximately 9:14 p.m. the Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to respond to a fire that occurred inside a tent at 49 Cleveland Street in Bangor. The tent was occupied at the time by an adult male who was discovered deceased. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where an autopsy will be performed, and positive identification can be established. Investigators are working closely with Bangor Fire Department and the Bangor Police Department on the cause and origin of the fire.
The adult male has been tentatively identified as Joseph P. Demanuele Jr, 35, of Bangor. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
The following are the public releases from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Each image can be clicked on and expanded.
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