Helping the Weather Channel, Lady in the Bushes, Raccoon Trespassers, & Suspicious Apple Pickers: Bar Harbor Police Log
Hancock County Sheriff and State Police Press Releases and Logs
BAR HARBOR—The following incidents occurred in Bar Harbor last week according to the Bar Harbor police log, which is publicly released information.
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Officer Kaleb Payson responded to a report of someone drawing graffiti. Officer Payson spoke with the man who explained that it was chalk and would wash off in the rain. The man packed up his supplies to avoid further conflict.
Officer Payson provided a ride to someone to their hotel room.
Officer Nathan Formby checked on a suspicious vehicle and determined that the driver was just sleeping. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Jerrod Hardy fingerprinted someone as part of a federal background investigation.
Lt. Kevin Edgecomb performed a well-being check on a member of the Police Department’s Good Morning Program and found that person to be fine.
Officer Hardy received a complaint of a motor vehicle being operated in an erratic manner. Officer Hardy located and stopped the suspect vehicle and warned the driver for their operation.
Lt. Edgecomb referred a complaint regarding a seagull that was entangled in fishing line to the Maine Warden Service.
Lt. Edgecomb assisted someone who had concerns about another person. No further information or disposition was given.
Lt. Edgecomb assisted an out-of-state agency with an investigation.
Officer Liam Harrington took a report of a deer acting strangely.
Officers responded to a report of a family dispute and trespassing issue. The investigation is ongoing.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg spoke with someone who was having mental health issues. The person said that they were seeing their psychiatrist soon. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Harrington took a motor vehicle complaint. No further information or disposition was given.
Monday, September 11, 2023
Officers assisted the fire department on a medical call.
Officer Formby gave someone a ride.
Officer Ted Cake handled a motor vehicle complaint. He located the suspect vehicle but did not observe any erratic behavior.
Officer Lucas Keene assisted the MDI Hospital with getting blue papers (involuntary committal form) signed.
Officer Keene responded to a complaint of loud music being played on the street. The man playing the music “moved along on his own free will.”
Officer Troy Stanwood took a report of credit card fraud. The complaint is under investigation.
A Bangor man inquired with the police department regarding getting some property returned to him. After officers conducted the appropriate checks, the property was returned to the man.
Officer Stanwood handled a dog off leash complaint but could not locate the dog or the owner.
Walter Ferguson, 72, of Bar Harbor, was driving a 1997 Ford F-150 and was turning north onto Eden Street from Cottage Street. Keagan Bray, 19, of Bar Harbor, was riding a Diamondback Mountain bike and crossing Cottage Street southbound at the Eden Street intersection. Allegedly, a tire on Ferguson’s vehicle struck Bray. Bray was transported by ambulance to the hospital for minor injuries. Neither vehicle sustained any damage.
Officer Stanwood took a report of a lost cat. The cat was taken by its owner and all parties involved were notified of the result.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Two people were warned for alleged disorderly conduct by an officer who saw them arguing. The two people were separated for the evening and sent on their ways.
Officer Keene responded to a report of a traffic hazard in the roadway. Officer Keene located a minor issue with tree limbs.
Officer Stanwood handled a report of a municipal violation involving a motor vehicle but the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.
After receiving a complaint of an intoxicated person needing assistance, Officer Stanwood located the individual and gave them a ride home.
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
A person made a complaint of theft which is under investigation.
A dog was reported loose and was captured by police, taken to the police station, and later reunited with its owner.
Officer Judson Cake investigated a report of some suspicious vehicles but could not locate them.
Animal Control Officer Scott Pinkham took a report of a vehicle with a dog in it and the windows rolled up. ACO Pinkham was able to contact the vehicle owner and get them to return to the vehicle to take care of the dog.
Officer J. Cake responded to a motor vehicle complaint but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
The police department took a report of graffiti on town property.
Officer J. Cake handled a report of a domestic disturbance and upon arrival, determined that an intoxicated female had fallen into some bushes and was yelling. The people involved were assisted back to their hotel room.
The police department received a motor vehicle complaint but there were no officers in the area of the complaint.
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Officers assisted someone at the hospital.
Jon Banks, 27, of Franklin, Maine, was issued a summons for alleged operating without a license and a summons for alleged failure to display a valid inspection sticker. Banks was also warned for multiple traffic violations.
Kevin Peacock, 60, of Ohio, was driving a 200 NAVI 4000SE northbound on the Knox Road and was approaching the Knox Road and Gilbert Farm Road intersection. Jacqueline Lefkowitz, 28, of Connecticut, was driving a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek westbound on the Gilbert Farm Road and allegedly entered the intersection into the path of Peacock. Peacock’s vehicle struck Lefkowitz’s vehicle, spinning it around 180 degrees and knocking it off the roadway. Lefkowitz’s side airbag deployed causing minor injuries to Lefkowitz. Peacock was not injured. Lefkowitz’s vehicle was towed from the scene and Peacock’s vehicle sustained minor damage to the bumper.
Officer T. Cake responded to a report of a vehicle that was disabled and causing a traffic flow issue near West Street Extension. He located the vehicle which was out of the travel lane and the operator had a tow truck on the way to remove it.
The police department received a report of property damage caused by a vehicle. No further information or disposition was given.
Someone reported their dog was missing. The dog was later located and returned to them.
Officer Stanwood is investigating a report of a vehicle passing a stopped school bus.
Following a traffic stop, Officer Stanwood arrested Donald Willoughby, 58, of Ohio, for alleged operating under the influence.
After receiving a noise complaint, an officer got a business to agree to turn its music down after 9 p.m.
Officer Chris Dickens responded to a report of disorderly residents at an employee housing location but found that everyone was settled by the time that he arrived. No further action was taken.
Friday, September 15, 2023
Officer Formby gave someone a ride home.
Lt. Edgecomb checked on a member of the Good Morning Program and found them to be fine.
Officer J. Cake responded to a report of a disabled vehicle that was blocking traffic. Upon arrival, Officer J. Cake was able to push the vehicle out of the travel lane.
Travis Davis, no age or hometown given, was driving a 2022 Ford F-250 westbound on Mt. Desert Street when he allegedly hit the mirror of a parked 2021 Dodge Ram that was last operated by Jian Zhang, no age or hometown given, and which was parked in front of the library. Both vehicles suffered broken mirrors.
Officer J. Cake responded to a report of suspicious apple pickers. He was able to locate the two people and determine that everything was fine.
Officer Stanwood handled a complaint of a person walking along the white fog line on Eagle Lake Road but could not locate anyone in the area.
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Officer Amie Torrey responded to a residential burglary alarm and found the residence to be secure.
Officer Tim Bland assisted a stranded motorist.
Officer Bland received a complaint of downed power lines on West Street and closed the road down until the issue could be fixed.
Officer Bland handled another line down complaint, but the line in question was not a problem.
Officer J. Cake and Officer Stanwood performed a special detail assisting the Weather Channel during Hurricane Lee.
The police department received a report of a boat that had come off of its mooring and notified the Coast Guard.
Officer Payson assisted MDI Hospital with getting some paperwork signed.
Officer Bland received information regarding a vehicle crash but could not investigate it because it was a late report.
Officers assisted someone in town. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Bland performed a well-being check on someone on behalf of another agency.
Officer Payson received some information. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Stanwood responded to a report of disorderly conduct at a business, but the person had left prior to his arrival.
The police department received a report of sagging power lines and a leaning power pole in town and notified Versant. The area was coned off pending the arrival of Versant.
Officer Stanwood handled a report of a verbal argument at a business that involved four people. All four people were warned for disorderly conduct and both groups of two people were told not to have any further contact with each other for the night.
Officer Payson searched for a person who was reported walking on the side of Eagle Lake Road but could not locate anyone.
Officer Stanwood took a report of a raccoon trespassing at a business. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Dickens responded to a complaint of a disorderly person at a business. Officer Dickens warned the person for their behavior and no further problems were reported.
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Officer Hardy performed a well-being check on a member of the Good Morning Program and discovered that her phone lines had been knocked down by the storm but that she was fine.
Someone reported power lines down at their residence. The report was passed on to Versant.
Officer Stanwood took a report of vandalism at a business. No further information or disposition was given.
Someone called to complain that their neighbor’s generator was still running even though the power was on. An officer spoke with the homeowner who was unaware that the power was back on and turned off their generator.
STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASES
These are the Maine State Police press releases from the last few days. The Bar Harbor Story will include this each week though most (and sometimes all) do not occur in Bar Harbor.
Agencies Involved: MSP Major Crimes Unit Central, Augusta Police Department
Date & Time of Initial Call for Service: July 28, 2023, at 10:09 p.m.
Location of Call for Service: Augusta, Maine
Summary of Call for Service:
On Friday, July 28, 2023, at approximately 10:09 p.m., the Augusta Police Department received a 911 call from a motorist indicating a male, later identified as 34-year-old Tyler Robinson of Augusta, was on the side of Old Belgrade Road near number 42 in Augusta. Efforts to revive Robinson were unsuccessful. Major Crimes Unit Central was called by the Augusta Police Department to help investigate the death which they did throughout the night and weekend.
An autopsy was conducted by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta on Saturday, July 29, 2023, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The Maine State Police and Augusta police are asking anyone driving through the area between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. who may have seen people running in the roadway to please call the Maine State Police at 207-624-7076.
Homicide Suspect Arrested in Mississippi
On Wednesday, September 11, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m., 34-year-old Andrew Redmond of Augusta, who is wanted for murder in Maine was taken into custody after attempting to elude the Biloxi Mississippi Police Department. A coordinated effort with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit, Federal Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, and the Biloxi Mississippi Police Department brought the search for Redmond to a close.
Redmond and his wife 33-year-old Danielle Redmond of Augusta, were traveling on Interstate 10 when officers with the Biloxi Police Department attempted to stop their vehicle. Redmond did not stop. After a chase was initiated, Redmond eventually pulled over and complied with the arrest. Danielle Redmond was charged with failing to comply according to Biloxi Police Department officials. Andrew Redmond was arrested and brought to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center in Gulfport until the extradition process takes place. Redmond will eventually be brought back to Maine to answer to the charge of murder.
Redmond is accused of killing 34-year-old Tyler Robinson of Augusta, in Augusta on Friday night, July 28, 2023. Robinson was found unresponsive on the side of Old Belgrade Road in Augusta. Andrew Redmond and Tyler Robinson were familiar with each other. The Maine State Police would like to thank the Augusta Police Department, the Biloxi Mississippi Police Department, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), Maine Violent Offender Task Force, USMS, Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the USMS, New Orleans Task Force for their efforts in helping to apprehend Andrew Redmond.
MDEA PRESS RELEASES
South Portland, Maine—A South Portland man has been charged with aggravated drug trafficking and firearm violations following an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine, crack cocaine in South Portland.
Arrested was Michael McNamara, 52, South Portland, Maine, (3) counts aggravated trafficking, methamphetamine, (3) counts aggravated trafficking with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, (4) counts possession of scheduled drugs.
For the past month, agents from the MDEA Cumberland District Task Force began an investigation into illegal drug trafficking by Michael McNamara. During the investigation,agents made undercover purchases of high quality methamphetamine from McNamara. The undercover purchases occurred at Spring Point Tavern in South Portland, during business hours, while McNamara was working as a general manager.
On Monday evening, South Portland Police conducted a traffic stop of McNamara on Cottage Road in South Portland. McNamara was arrested without incident on an outstanding arrest warrant charging drug trafficking. At the time of his arrest McNamara was in possession of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Following his arrest, agents and South Portland Police executed a search warrant at
McNamara’s Preble Street, South Portland, residence. The search resulted in the seizure of over 1.5 pounds (680 grams) of crystal methamphetamine, ½ pound of cocaine (226.5 grams), 1 ounce of crack cocaine (28.35 grams), and a 9mm handgun. Several other types of unidentified pills and items associated with drug packaging and distribution was also seized.
McNamara was transported to the Cumberland County Jail where bail was set at $100,000 cash.
Approximate street value of the seized drugs is $80,000.
Agents were assisted in this investigation, arrest, and search warrant by officers of the South Portland Police Department.
The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine in the state of Maine. This investigation is continuing, and more arrests are likely.
If you suffer with substance, use disorder, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.
If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.
Officer Involved Shooting
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit obtained an arrest warrant for Shay McKenna, 28, for a violation of bail conditions. Shay McKenna was observed carrying a firearm which he was prohibited from possessing. The investigation led detectives to a location in Rangely Plantation where Shay McKenna was staying.
A search warrant was drafted for that location. The Maine State Police Tactical Team was activated to assist with the apprehension of Shay McKenna. The Maine State Police Crisis Negotiation Team communicated with Shay McKenna and advised him that he was under arrest.
Shay McKenna exited the van that he was hiding inside of with a ballistic vest and a rifle resulting in Maine State Trooper Jeffrey Parks confronting and shooting Shay McKenna. Shay McKenna died at the scene. Trooper Jeffrey Parks will be on administrative leave, which is standard practice in officer involved shootings. Please direct any further questions to the Attorney General’s Office.
Agencies Involved: Maine State Police
Date & Time of Initial Call for Service: Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
Location of Call for Service:Hiram, Maine
Summary of Call for Service:
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, shortly after 4:00 p.m., troopers with the Maine State Police Southern Field Troop responded to a disturbance complaint at the end of Clemons Cove in Hiram. Troopers arrived and discovered two individuals deceased outside of the home. Major Crimes Unit South Detectives and troopers investigated the scene throughout the evening as the bodies of the two deceased were transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to determine the cause and manner of their deaths.
On Thursday, September 14, 2023, autopsies were conducted on the two individuals who were identified as 43-year-old Stephanie Ranieri of Hiram and 48-year-old Chad Adams of Hiram. Ranieri and Adams were previously in a relationship. The Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Stephanie Ranieri as a homicide and the death of Chad Adams as a suicide. There is no threat to the public. The case remains under investigation.
Protect Your Child! Get Your Child’s Car Seat Checked for Free
September 17th-23rd is Child Passenger Safety Week
[Augusta, Maine] — Every year, the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety (MeBHS) partners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to hold Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs this year from September 17-23rd. The annual safety week always ends with National Seat Check Saturday, a day for parents and caregivers to receive free instruction on how to correctly install and use the appropriate car seats for their kids. Most caregivers think they’re using their car seats correctly, but the reality is about half of them are not. A crash isn’t the time to find out.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from NHTSA shows that 46% of car seats are misused. Common issues are children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size, and car seats being installed improperly — both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash. This makes making sure a car seat is correctly installed, even more important.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has roughly 34 partner locations around the state of Maine where families can make an appointment year-round with a Certified Car Seat Technician for car seat installation assistance, education, and guidance. To find a list of inspection sites in your community, please go to: https://www.maine.gov/dps/bhs/safety-programs/child-passenger-safety/car-seat-inspection-locations.
These skilled technicians explain and demonstrate how to use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts correctly. They can help you choose the correct car seat for your child’s age and size, install that seat correctly in your vehicle, and show you how to use that seat correctly every time. Their services are completely free of charge. It costs you nothing but could save your child’s life. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be offering free car seat safety checks and education to parents and caregivers during Child Passenger Safety Week. Below you can find information for some free check events happening across Maine:
- Community Car Seat Check Event on September 20, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Maliseet Community Center located at 564 Foxcroft Road, Houlton.
- Community Virtual Car Seat Safety Class on September 21, 2023, from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please contact Brittney Dunphy at bwatt@rfgh.net for more information and to register.
- Community Car Seat Check Event on September 21, 2023, from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at United Ambulance located at 215 Rodman Road, Auburn.
All parents and caregivers are invited to attend these free events. You’ll spend about 30 minutes with a certified expert and leave knowing your kids are as safe as possible on the road.
“According to NHSTA, every day in 2021, on average, two children under 13 were killed in cars,SUVs, pickups, and vans. In Maine, there was one fatality involving a passenger under 13 years old in 2021. Fortunately, Maine falls below the national average for fatalities involving children under 13 (in 2021). However, one fatality or injury is still one too many. Each loss of life on Maine’s roads is preventable”, said Lauren Stewart, Maine’s Highway Safety Director. It’s important to make an appointment with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and get car seats checked.
Maine Bureau of Highway Safety’s mission is to save lives and prevent injuries on the state’s roads and highways through leadership, innovation, project, and program support. MeBHS encourages everyone who drives with a child to check out NHTSA’s free, online resources at
Department of Public Safety Promotes Importance of Program to Keep Mainers Safe
September is Safe Homes Awareness Month
In honor of Safe Homes Awareness Month, the Department of Public Safety is encouraging Mainers to keep themselves and their families safe by properly securing their prescription drugs, firearms, and other dangerous weapons.
In 2022 the Maine Legislature unanimously passed L.D. 1861, An Act to Establish the Safe Homes Program. The Program promotes the importance of safe prescription drug and weapons storage which will help reduce accidental gun deaths and prevent suicide. The program also makes storage devices more affordable by highlighting legislation from 2021 that created a sales tax exemption for devices specifically designed for securing firearms.
Maine has the highest firearm mortality rate in New England. In 2022, 183 Mainers were killed by firearms, including 159 who died by suicide.
In 2022 there were more than 10,000 overdoses in Maine. 716 were drug deaths, a 13 percent increase over the number of Mainers who died from overdoses in 2021.
The safe storage of weapons can reduce accidental gun-related deaths and keep weapons out of the hands of people who might plan to hurt themselves. The safe storage of prescription drugs can help reduce accidental or misuse of medication.
Last year as part of the Safe Homes Program a grant was submitted by DPS and approved by the Department of Justice. The state was awarded just over 1.2 million dollars to help enhance communication, education, and public awareness of the Safe Homes Program and to help provide grants for purchasing safety devices for the safe storage of prescription drugs and weapons, as available.
“We believe that the Safe Homes Program is becoming an integral piece of a comprehensive educational program that keeps our friends and family safe from prescription medications and dangerous weapons,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck. “We look forward to the full implementation of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Grant Program here in Maine.”
Governor Janet Mills has signed a proclamation declaring September as Safe Homes Awareness Month to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the home and of the existence of assistance that is available through the Safe Homes Program. For more information on the Safe Homes Program please visit
https://www.maine.gov/dps/safe-homes.
HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
We are also including the Sheriff logs for Hancock County. Apologies for the formatting. We’re still trying to figure out if this is the most efficient way to include them. We appreciate your patience!