Former Hancock County Sheriff's Deputy Shot in Aroostook County Incident
State Police K9 Shot in Same Incident Later Succumbs to Injuries
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PORTAGE—A former Hancock County Sheriff’s deputy was shot yesterday while on duty for the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Shane Campbell spent well over a decade in Hancock County before moving to a position up north. He was shot during a domestic incident in Portage, Februrary 3, that took the life of a police canine, Preacher. The suspect, Steven Righini, 29, was also killed.
Campbell was seen at Northern Light Hospital in Presque Isle, treated, and released.
According to press releases from the Maine Department of Public Safety, on Monday morning, the Maine State Police and Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office responded to 20 Ranger Street in Portage for a report of a domestic dispute with a female and Righini.
The woman, the release states, “reported Mr. Righini had been fighting with her and pushed her into the wall. She requested assistance from law enforcement to help her leave the residence.”
According to the release, “When the troopers and deputies arrived, the female was out of the residence and Mr. Righini was inside with their four-week-old infant. Troopers and deputies communicated with Mr. Righini through a window and on the telephone and persuaded him to come outside. Troopers and deputies attempted to take Mr. Righini into custody but he resisted. A struggle ensued and Mr. Righini pulled a gun from his waistband and shot at the officers as he retreated into his residence.”
“As the deputies and troopers attempted to back out of the driveway, Mr. Righini then grabbed another firearm and fired at the retreating cruiser, striking Deputy Shane Campbell in the shoulder,” the state police wrote. “Deputy Reid Clark then shot at Mr. Righini. Maine State Police negotiators attempted to negotiate with Mr. Righini for several hours. Mr. Righini refused to surrender and eventually tried to flee the residence in a vehicle.”
Members of the tactical team disabled Righini’s vehicle. He ran away.
“Just before 8:00 p.m., Mr. Reghini fired a shot at a State Police K-9 unit and wounded him,” the state police said. “Mr. Righini then pointed his gun at the troopers. Troopers Andrew Hardy and Jonathan Russell then shot Mr. Righini, who was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The child was uninjured and reunited with her mom. Preacher was taken to an emergency vet, was in surgery and did not survive.
“Deputy Reid Clark, Trooper Andrew Hardy, and Trooper Jonathan Russell are all being placed on administrative leave as is standard protocol while the Office of the Attorney General investigates the use of deadly force in the police involved shooting,” the release reads.
Maine State Police K-9 Preacher Killed in the Line of Duty
PORTAGE—Maine State Police K-9 Preacher, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed in the line of duty on Monday, February 3, 2025, during a tactical team operation in Portage. Preacher and his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, served the greater Southern Field Troop area and the Maine State Police Tactical Team.
Sgt. Russell and K-9 Preacher attended the Maine State Police K9 Patrol School in the fall of 2023, where they became a certified patrol team. The tactical team was deployed in response to a domestic dispute that led to armed standoff involving 29-year-old Steven Righini, who had shot an Aroostook County deputy.
The standoff lasted several hours before the suspect attempted to flee the residence around 8 p.m. K-9 Preacher was deployed to apprehend the suspect when he was shot in the abdomen. Following the shooting, the suspect was engaged by Sgt. Russell and Specialist Andrew Hardy, who returned fire.
The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. K-9 Preacher was immediately rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic in Presque Isle, where he underwent surgery. Despite the efforts of veterinary staff, he succumbed to his injuries early this morning. He was surrounded by Sgt. Russell and several members of the tactical team when he passed.
“K-9 Preacher was more than just a working dog—he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero,” said Maine State Police Colonel Ross. “Most people will never understand the sacrifices made by our K-9 teams, but last night, Preacher made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others from harm.”
The Maine State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Jonathan Russell and the entire K-9 Unit. The loss of Preacher is a profound reminder of the courage and dedication of our law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners.
Meet Teddy – Maine Capitol Police’s First Bomb Detection Dog
AUGUSTA—The Maine Capitol Police are proud to introduce Teddy, our first bomb detection dog, who enhances safety, security, and preparedness at the Statehouse complex. Teddy, a 17-month-old Labrador Retriever, was selected and trained through the Maine State Police K9 Unit and is certified through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Teddy is also the 100th detection dog graduate of the AKC Patriotic Puppy Program, which addresses the critical shortage of high-quality, domestically raised, and trained explosives detection dogs.
Having a bomb detection dog on-site allows the Maine Capitol Police to conduct daily sweeps of the Statehouse complex, helping ensure safety, reduce disruption from hoax bomb threats, and expedite decision-making in response to potential emergencies.
Teddy is fully operational, but as a young pup, he is still developing and refining his skills.
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, January 28, 2025
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Caleb Mora summoned Haleigh Hammer, 29, of Bar Harbor, for alleged operating after suspension.
Someone reported a tree down on Sound Drive in Mount Desert.
Officer Troy Stanwood received a report of a vehicle making bad passes in Mount Desert but all officers were out of position to try and locate the vehicle.
Officer Mora worked an event at MDI High School.
Officer Zack Kline located an open door on a Bar Harbor business, checked the area, and secured the door.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Sean Orr, 37, no hometown given, was driving a 2018 Toyota Tacoma east on Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor when the vehicle went off the road due to icy conditions. There was no reported injury and the vehicle was towed from the scene due to disabling damage.
Artem Maksutov, 36, of Ellsworth, was driving a 2022 Ram 1500 east on the Crooked Road in Bar Harbor when the vehicle went off the road on a corner due to road conditions. There was no reported injury and the vehicle was undamaged but needed to be towed back onto the roadway.
Jennifer Vanegas Gonzales, 31, of Kissimmee, Florida, was driving a 2012 Ford east on Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor when the vehicle slid on the snow-covered road and struck a guardrail. There was no reported injury and only minor damage to the vehicle.
Sgt. Doug Brundrett responded to a report of a vehicle stuck in the roadway on Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor but could not locate any vehicles upon arrival.
Sgt. Brundrett responded to a report of three vehicles that had gone off the roadway on Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor. There were no reported injuries and none of the vehicles suffered any damage. All three vehicles were assisted by a tow truck on scene.
Jason Kohr, 54, of Ellsworth, was driving a 2011 Chevy pickup truck south on Sound Drive in Mount Desert when he lost control of the truck due to road conditions, struck a guardrail twice and after the second hit, the truck ended up on top of the guardrail. Someone in the area pulled the truck from the guardrail and Kohr drove it to a nearby residence to report the crash. There was no reported injury and the truck sustained reportable damage. The guardrail was also damaged in two places.
James Palmacci, 60, of Bangor, was driving a 2021 Ram 2500 west on the Crooked Road in Bar Harbor when he lost control of the truck going downhill due to the road conditions. The truck left the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and came to rest on its side. There was no personal injury and the truck was towed from the scene due to disabling damage.
Alice O’Malley, 21, of Brooklyn, New York, was driving a 2013 Subaru Forester west on the Crooked Road in Bar Harbor when the vehicle went off the roadway and struck a fire hydrant. There was no reported injury, the vehicle suffered minor front end damage, and the hydrant was broken off at ground level.
Sgt. Chris Dickens spoke with someone in Bar Harbor regarding ongoing harassment.
Officer Stanwood arrested Michael Modeen, 63, of Bar Harbor, for alleged criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and alleged threatening display of a firearm in Bar Harbor. Modeen was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Judson Cake investigated an unattended death in Bar Harbor.
Thursday, January 30, 2025
A vehicle deer crash was reported to Officer Justin Burnett that occurred on Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor. There were no reported injuries and the vehicle drove away from the scene.
Officer Burnett spoke with someone in Bar Harbor regarding a civil problem.
Officer Ted Cake took a report of fraudulent activity in Bar Harbor.
Officer Mora worked a private detail in Somesville.
Officer Ted Cake took a report of fraudulent activity on an account in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood performed a well-being check on someone in Bar Harbor at the request of the Falmouth, Massachusetts Police Department. No further information or disposition was given.
Sgt. Dickens spoke with someone in Bar Harbor regarding a conflict with their neighbor.
Eric Johnson, 69, of Southwest Harbor, was driving a 2019 Nissan pickup truck and was attempting to turn left from Eden Street onto Cottage Street. Patricia Ryan, 78, of Mount Desert, was driving a 2015 Subaru and was turning left from Cottage Street onto Eden Street in Bar Harbor and allegedly struck the rear of Johnson’s vehicle. There were no reported injuries and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
After receiving a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, Officer Mora located the vehicle and stopped it in Trenton. The “youthful” driver admitted to driving poorly and said that he would correct his behavior.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Stanwood responded to a report of two vehicles being operated in an erratic manner on Route 3 in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicles.
Officer Kaleb Payson received a report of suspicious activity in Bar Harbor but could not locate anything suspicious.
Friday, January 31, 2025
Officer Stanwood served a court order in Bar Harbor on behalf of the New York State Police.
Officer Stanwood performed a pre-conviction bail check on someone in Bar Harbor.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Officer Burnett is investigating a vehicle that had been crashed and left abandoned on the Crooked Road in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Dickens spoke with someone in Bar Harbor who was experiencing a mental health crisis.
Officer Burnett assisted a Bar Harbor resident home from the hospital.
Zachary Mitchell, 40, of Bernard, was driving a 2016 International Navigator 7400 plow truck on Ripples Road in Mount Desert when he allegedly struck a utility pole that was off the roadway. There was no reported injury or vehicle damage but the pole was snapped.
Jonathan Mlonyeni, 41, of Bar Harbor was driving a 2017 Nissan Murano on Eden Street in Bar Harbor when the traffic in front of him slowed. Mlonyeni allegedly did not slow down and drove off the roadway to avoid hitting vehicles in front of him. There was no reported injury. The vehicle suffered functional damage and was towed from the scene. Mlonyeni was summoned for alleged operating after suspension, alleged operating after registration has been suspended, alleged failure to produce evidence of insurance, and alleged failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Officer Burnett helped an intoxicated Bar Harbor resident get home.
Sgt. Brundrett performed a well-being check in Bar Harbor and found the person to be fine.
Sgt. Brundrett assisted someone in Bar Harbor whose vehicle was broken down on Route 3. After the vehicle had been towed, Sgt. Brundrett provided the driver and occupants a ride to Ellsworth.
Officer Mora responded to parking complaint in Bar Harbor and the vehicles were promptly moved.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Officer Burnett handled some winter parking ban violations in Mount Desert.
Officers assisted a moving truck with getting into a driveway on the Crooked Road in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Brundrett responded to an open-door complaint at a business in Bar Harbor and determined that there was nobody around and secured the door.
Office Amie Torrey took a report of damage to a sign at the Land and Garden Preserve in Mount Desert.
Sgt. Brundrett spoke with a Bar Harbor woman regarding ongoing family matters.
Officer Torrey performed a requested well-being check on a child in Mount Desert and found the child to be fine.
Officer Torrey took a request to have a no trespass notice lifted. No further information or disposition was given.
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, January 27, 2025
Someone from Tremont called the Southwest Harbor Police Department to report that they had some disturbing conversations and texts with someone else and they wanted to have them documented in case the behavior continues.
Chief John Hall responded to Clark Point Road in Southwest Harbor after a dog was reported running loose there. The dog could not be located at the time but the dog and its owner were located later and “warned.”
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
No reportable incidents.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Sgt. Ryan Blakeney responded to a report of an injured deer in Southwest Harbor. The deer was located, dispatched, and given to a local resident.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to a report of a motorist needing assistance in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the vehicle in the area that it was reported to be in.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to a second report of a motorist needing assistance in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the vehicle in the area that it was reported to be in.
After having been involved in a crash in Tremont while driving a 1993 GMC Sierra on the Tremont Road, Raymond Matteson, 39, of Bass Harbor was arrested for alleged operating after the influence by Officer James Kamorski. There was no reported injury due to the crash and the truck had to be towed from the scene.
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Officer Kamorski responded to a loose dog complaint on the Clark Point Road in Southwest Harbor, located the dog, and warned the owner for having a dog off leash.
The Southwest Harbor Police Department received a report of a generator running at a Southwest Harbor business that sounded like it was struggling. The complaint was passed on to the Southwest harbor Fire Department.
A Southwest Harbor resident called the Southwest Harbor Police Department to report that they believed there is a pack of coyotes in Southwest Harbor and the caller was concerned for the safety of their pets.
Friday, January 31, 2025
Chief Hall responded to a complaint about a truck and trailer blocking visibility at the lower town dock in Southwest Harbor but the truck was gone when he arrived.
Chief Hall is investigating a reported hit and run accident in Southwest Harbor in which there were no injuries.
Chief Hall performed a requested well-being check in Tremont and found the person being checked on to be okay.
Chief Hall spoke with someone from Tremont who was having issues with an ex-friend. Chief Hall advised the caller on some ways forward in dealing with the situation.
Officer Kamorksi took a complaint of an alarm at a business in Southwest Harbor that turned out to be a false alarm.
Officer Kamorski spoke with a Southwest Harbor resident who was reporting harassment and Officer Kamorski was able to resolve the issue over the phone.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
No reportable incidents.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Officer Kamorski responded to a burglar alarm in Tremont but could find no signs of entry or anything suspicious.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to an alarm at a Southwest Harbor business and found the building secure.
Chief Hall checked on the lower town dock in Southwest Harbor because of parking and snow removal issues and requested that one vehicle be moved.
ANOTHER STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASE
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 Investigating Fire that destroyed Maine Turnpike Authority Building in Auburn
AUBURN—On Sunday, February 2, 2025, at approximately 5:55 p.m., a 911 call was placed reporting a fire at the Maine Turnpike Authority garage located off the side of I-95 and Hackett Road in Auburn. Upon arrival the Auburn Fire Department found the six bay garage fully involved. The structure and its contents are a total loss. FMO investigators are still on scene conducting an origin and cause investigation. No injuries were reported.
The investigation into the fire at the Maine Turnpike Authority garage in Auburn remains active. It is a joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Maine Fuel Board and the Auburn Fire Department.
Multiple accidental causes have been identified and are still being examined. At this time, the fire is classified as undetermined, with no indication of foul play.
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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Tragic. May the pup rest in peace and may the officer fully recover from his wounds.
Unidentified officer is the Aroostook County Chief Deputy.