Motorcycle Accidents Kill One Man While Another Ends Up in the Hospital
State Police, Hancock County Court adjudication
BAR HARBOR—Though the Bar Harbor Story doesn’t usually report on accidents or crime on other parts of Mount Desert Island, this week, we’re beginning with the death of a Bar Harbor man who was involved in a single-vehicle accident on September 7. Steve Montminy was a veteran and an important part of the Mount Desert Fire Department and Northeast Harbor Ambulance Service.
According to police reports, Montminy, 65, was travelling south on a blue and white 2005 Suzuki GSX-R7 on Sound Drive/Route 198 near Sargeant Drive, which is in Mount Desert. Witnesses stated that he was “passing vehicles at a high rate of speed.”
Montminy then lost control of the Suzuki, which went left, off the road and into a ditch. It rolled. Montminy was thrown off the motorcycle. He had been wearing a helmet. The crash had been called in by an officer who was in his personal vehicle. Officers from Mount Desert and Bar Harbor responded. The Mount Desert Fire Department and Public Works Department also assisted. The Maine State Police is doing the accident reconstruction and the crash is still be investigated. Montminy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three days earlier, Everett M. Holland, 20, of Tennessee, was allegedly operating a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle at a high rate of speed on Route 102 when he allegedly failed to negotiate a curve. Holland and the motorcycle left the roadway and hit a utility pole support wire. Holland was transported to MDI Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and the motorcycle was towed from the scene. Holland was issued summonses for alleged criminal speed (more than 30-mph over the speed limit) and alleged driving to endanger.
The following incidents occurred in Bar Harbor last week according to the Bar Harbor police log, which is publicly released information.
Monday, September 4, 2023
Pursuant to a traffic stop, Officer Liam Harrington arrested Bryce S. Lambert, 35, of Bar Harbor, for alleged operating after suspension and summonsed Lambert for alleged violation of conditions of release.
Officer Nathan Formby investigated a report of suspicious behavior and determined that it was a person walking their dogs.
Officer Formby responded to a report of a family argument. Officer Formby determined that no assault had taken place and the people were separated for the night.
Officer Formby gave someone a ride home from the MDI Hospital.
Officer Lukas Keene assisted the fire department with a medical call.
Officer Keene helped out a motorist whose vehicle was disabled.
Officer Keene assisted a motorist by helping them change a flat tire.
Officer Jerrod Hardy responded to a request from the Maine Warden Service with dispatching an injured deer, but the deer ran into the woods after Officer Hardy located it.
A woman reported that her dog had run off from her residence. The dog’s owner later found it.
Officer Elias Burne was asked to remove a person from a restaurant. He issued the person a no trespass warning after asking them to leave.
Officers responded to a residence to perform a welfare check on a juvenile. Arrangements were made for the juvenile to stay with other family members for the night and a DHHS referral was made.
Officers responded to a report of an intoxicated woman in the area of Rodick Place. The woman was moved along by officers and no further action was taken.
Officer Formby handled a motor vehicle complaint and after contacting both the complainant and the person who was complained about, no charges were filed.
Officer Formby assisted an intoxicated person. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Formby issued someone a no trespass warning for a local establishment.
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Officer Formby issued someone a no trespass warning for a local business.
Stephen Dunmead, 60, of Fairhope, Alaska, was driving a 2020 Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Route 3 when a deer ran into the roadway and hit the Jeep. There was no reported personal injury and the Jeep suffered damage to the driver’s side mirror and door.
Lt. Kevin Edgecomb took a report of suspicious activity in a neighborhood.
Officer Amie Torrey responded to a possible suicide attempt. The person was transported to the hospital.
Shane M. Wallace, no age given, of Franklin, was operating a 2022 International truck and attempting to back into a parking lot when he allegedly struck a 2011 Ford E350 that was legally parked and last operated by Randell C. Sprague Jr., no age given, of Bar Harbor. There was no reported personal injury. Wallace’s truck had no damage and Sprague’s vehicle had damage to the passenger side front corner.
Officer Hardy warned one person for disorderly conduct after they got into an altercation with another person.
Officer Chris Dickens checked on a disabled vehicle on the Eagle Lake Road. Officer Dickens contacted the vehicle owner who said that a tow truck was on its way to remove it.
Officer Hardy received a report from a motorist that an intoxicated man was walking along Route 102. Officer Hardy located the man and gave him a ride to Southwest Harbor.
Matthew Richards, 47, of Dexter, was driving a 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide north on Eden Street when he allegedly lost control of the motorcycle and allowed it to tip over and hit a 2021 Toyota SUV that was being driven south on Eden Street by Ashay Jawale, 33, of Texas. Richards sustained minor injuries. Both vehicles had minor scrapes.
After a traffic stop, Sgt. Doug Brundrett arrested Mallory Gilman, 21, of Danforth, Maine, for alleged operating under the influence.
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Following a traffic stop, Officer Troy Stanwood arrested Roy Blenkhorn, 40, of Ellsworth, for alleged operating under the influence. Blenkhorn was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Keene moved some campers along that had been the subject of a noise complaint during the night.
Officer Keene responded to a non-reportable motor vehicle accident. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Keene assisted another agency. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Tim Bland assisted a motorcyclist who had fallen while sitting stationary on the motorcycle. There was no injury or damage.
Officer Keene handled a motor vehicle complaint but was unable to locate the suspect vehicle.
Officer Dickens assisted a motorist who had run out of gas on Route 3.
Officer Dickens is investigating a report of a bicycle that had gone missing from the College of the Atlantic approximately a month ago.
Officer Dickens responded to a report of a wandering dog in the area of Kebo Valley Golf Course. Officer Dickens located and retrieved the dog and took it to the police department where it was reunited with its owner.
Sgt. Sundberg warned an establishment for a liquor license violation.
Officer Judson Cake handled a report of a motor vehicle accident that had occurred three hours earlier. No further information or disposition was given.
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Officer J. Cake arrested Sravya Bharati, no age given, of India, for alleged operating under the influence.
Officer Keene received a late report of motor vehicle accident. There was minor damage to one vehicle and no crash report was or will be completed.
After receiving a report of someone drinking in public, Officer Bland was unable to locate the person.
Sgt. Sundberg assisted a person with mental health issues and helped them find some resources.
Officer Dickens assisted the fire department with a report of a child choking. The child was fine upon the arrival of the ambulance and officer.
Officer Dickens assisted a person who had asked about getting a protection from harassment order.
Officer Dickens assisted someone with removing their belongings from a rental unit that they wished to vacate.
Officer Dickens responded to a report of a motor vehicle being operated in an erratic manner. Officer Dickens located the vehicle, stopped it, and determined that the operator was not impaired.
Sgt. Sundberg issued a warning for a municipal code violation.
Officer J. Cake responded to person who said that they saw someone in their backyard, but that the also thought that they may be having hallucinations. Officer J. Cake searched the yard, found no one, and it was determined that the complainant was having a medical issue. The medical issue was currently being treated. Officer J. Cake walked the complainant’s dog for them before leaving the residence.
Officer Kaleb Payson handled a barking dog complaint but before being able to pinpoint the barking dog’s location, the dog stopped barking.
Officer Payson investigated a report of a domestic disturbance and determined that it was people singing karaoke.
Friday, September 8, 2023
Officer Stanwood removed traffic cones from Mount Desert Street, Kennebec Street, and Rodick Street that someone had placed in the roadways and were impeding traffic.
Officer Payson located a man passed out in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. After investigation, Anthony Bahena, 33, of Chicago, Illinois, was arrested for alleged operating under the influence.
Joshua Smith, 28, of Newport, Maine, was driving a White Western 4700 truck in the Backyard Parking Lot when he allegedly struck a Mazda B-3000 that was legally parked and last driven by Richard Leiser, 69, of Bar Harbor. There were no injuries and the Mazda suffered a broken taillight lens. Smith was unaware that he had struck the smaller truck until a witness informed him.
Officer Caleb Mora responded to a motor vehicle complaint. Upon locating the suspect vehicle, the driver was not operating erratically but was parked and unloading.
Wei Wang, 37, of Morganville, New Jersey, was driving a 2016 Honda van and was slowing in traffic before making a right-hand turn from Gilbert Farm Road onto Route 102. Brian Fiorilli, 57, of Otis, Maine, was driving a 2018 Honda CRV behind Wang and allegedly failed to slow and hit Wang’s vehicle in the rear. There was no reported personal injury and minor damage to both vehicles.
Officer Mora fingerprinted someone for medical licensing.
Ian McDermott, 44, of New York, had parked a 2010 BMW in a no parking zone in front of Rosalie’s Pizza. Reco Yanez, 45, of Maine, was driving a 2020 Chevy pickup and attempting to make a right-hand turn from Cottage Street onto Rodick Street. The Chevy’s rear tire allegedly hit the BMW’s front driver’s side corner. There was no reported personal injury and the BMW suffered damage to the front driver’s side corner.
Adrian Munro, 46, of Bar Harbor, parked a 1990 Mazda Miata in the MDI High School parking lot and came back approximately three hours later to find that an unknown vehicle had hit the driver’s side fender.
Saturday, September 9, 2023
After a traffic stop, Officer Stanwood arrested Logan Schwebel, 31, of Maryland, for alleged operating under the influence.
Officer J. Cake arrested Michael Johnson, 31, of Silver Springs, Maryland, for alleged operating under the influence.
Officer Mora responded to a motor vehicle complaint, located the suspect vehicle, and warned the driver for their operation.
Officer Amie Torrey is investigating a woman’s report of possible extortion.
The police department received multiple calls regarding a possible brush fire but no fire was located.
Officer Mora investigated a report of gunshots and located the offending homeowner who was cautioned against any shooting in the future.
The police department received a report of someone going door to door who was acting suspicious. The suspected suspicious person could not be located.
Officer Formby responded to a noise complaint but could not locate any noise issues.
Officer Payson responded to a noise complaint but could not locate any noise issues.
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.
SOUTH PORTLAND HOMICIDE
Agencies Involved: MSP Major Crimes Unit South, South Portland Police Department, Portland Police Department
Date & Time of Initial Call for Service: Monday, September 4, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Location of Call for Service: South Portland, Maine
Summary of Call for Service:
On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the South Portland Police Department was dispatched to an area along Clark’s Pond Road where they located a deceased individual. South Portland police detectives and Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit detectives investigated the area throughout the night and into the following day. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Augusta where an autopsy was conducted on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Later that same day the OCME confirmed the identity of the deceased as 52 year-old Danielle Goodwin of Freeport. The Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled Goodwin’s death a homicide.
The Maine State Police, South Portland Police Department, and the Portland Police Department have been conducting interviews in the greater Portland area since the discovery. There is no known threat to the public. In addition, investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle Goodwin was last seen in. Investigators are looking for a blue 2016 Honda CRV, Maine registration 2773VM. If located or if you have any information, please contact the Maine State Police at (207)-624-7076 extension 9.
METAL DEBRIS STRIKES CAR IN GRAY
Agencies Involved: MSP Troop G, Gray Fire and Rescue, Maine Turnpike Authority
Date & Time of Initial Call for Service: Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 10:20 a.m.
Location of Call for Service: Gray, Maine
Summary of incident:
On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at approximately 10:20 a.m., State Police responded to a single vehicle crash southbound near mile 61 on the Maine Turnpike in Gray. The driver, a 21-year-old woman from New Hampshire stated that she was traveling southbound when a vehicle traveling in the same direction in front of her ran over and kicked up a piece of metal road debris into the air. The sharp metal struck the windshield of her 2021 red Jeep Wrangler where it impaled itself only inches from her face. The driver was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. She fortunately sustained only minor injuries and was checked by paramedics on scene. Troopers safely reunited her with her family upon leaving the crash scene. One lane was shut down for approximately 1 hour. The Maine Turnpike Authority and Gray Fire and Rescue assisted on scene.
DAYTON MAN ARRESTED AFTER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT
Agencies Involved: MSP Southern Field Troop, MSP Tac Team and Crisis Negotiation Team, York County Sheriff’s Office, York County EMA, and Dayton Fire/Rescue
Date & Time of Initial Call for Service: Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 10:30 p.m.
Location of Call for Service: Dayton, Maine
Summary of incident:
On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., troopers responded to 39 Dyer Road in Dayton for a report of a family fight involving a firearm. It was reported that 47-year-old Michael Currier of Dayton assaulted his girlfriend and discharged a firearm inside and outside of the residence with other family members present to include children. Mr. Currier’s girlfriend was transported to Maine Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team responded and at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Currier was taken into custody and transported to the York County Jail.
Mr. Currier was charged with aggravated domestic violence assault (strangulation), class B, aggravated reckless conduct, class B, domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, class C, obstructing report of crime or injury, class D, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, class D, discharging a firearm near a dwelling, class E, and violating conditions of release, class E.
The York County Sheriff’s Office, York County Emergency Management Agency and Dayton Fire / Rescue assisted.
CAR FIRE AND MULTIPLE VEHICLE CRASHES IN SIDNEY
Agencies Involved: MSP Troop I, MSP Central Field Troop, Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, Maine DOT, Sidney Fire Department, Augusta Fire Department, Delta Ambulance, Ready Road Service, and Blanchard’s Towing
Date & Time of Initial Call for Service: Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 3:40 p.m.
Location of Call for Service: Sidney, Maine
Summary of incidents:
Vehicle Fire:
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 3:40 p.m., State Police received a report of a vehicle on fire on I-95 northbound at mile marker 119.5 in Sidney. A Kennebec County Sheriff’s Deputy and State Trooper both arrived within minutes to find a white 2013 Chrysler 300 fully engulfed in flames. The operator and sole occupant 46-year-old Gerald Foss of Winslow had managed to pull the vehicle over into the right breakdown lane and escape the car. Troopers worked with Maine DOT to request traffic advisory signs be activated to give notice to the motoring public of the fire ahead. Traffic was reduced to one lane with the passing lane open. Smoke could be seen from a distance. As vehicles were entering into the traffic that was slowing down the trooper and deputy observed a secondary multiple vehicle crash delaying the fire department. Upon arrival, the Sidney Fire Department quickly extinguished the flames. Ready Road Service responded and towed the vehicle. The vehicle was a total loss.
Secondary Crash:
At approximately 3:47 p.m. there was a 4-vehicle crash at I-95 northbound at mile marker 119 in Sidney. This crash was caused as a result of the fully engulfed car fire about half a mile north of this location. Traffic was attempting to merge into the passing lane which resulted in a slow in traffic. A loaded 18-wheeler hauling debris materials failed to slow down in traffic in time and subsequently struck three other vehicles in front of him pushing them all off the roadway. One person in one of the vehicles was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. This secondary crash caused all flow of traffic to come to a complete stop in both lanes until additional Troopers arrived and were able to open one lane. The crash was cleared in just under an hour.
Third Crash:
At approximately 3:47 p.m. as traffic continued to back up for miles, a third crash involving four vehicles was reported on I-95 northbound near mile marker 118 in Sidney. When troopers arrived four vehicles were sitting along the left shoulder and partially in the passing lane. The passing lane was shut down to traffic. Initial investigation indicates that the driver of the first vehicle, a black 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound in the left lane when vehicles ahead of her braked. The driver stated she rear-ended the vehicle in front of her causing a chain reaction crash. Four people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
All photos provided by Maine State Police
COUNTY COURT LOG
The cases below are the official records of recent cases in Hancock County Court where the offense occurred or allegedly occurred in Bar Harbor.
Emma S. Smith, 22, Milbridge. Domestic violence assault at Bar Harbor, Sept. 29, 2022. Dismissed. Unlawful possession of scheduled drug at Bar Harbor, Sept. 29, 2022. Dismissed.
Jamie Maryanna Wiedmann, 26, Providence, R.I. OUI (alcohol) at Bar Harbor, Oct. 3, 2022. $850. License suspended 150 days.
Corey James Pelkey, 33, Bangor. Violating condition of release at Bar Harbor, March 11, 2023. Dismissed. Unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs at Bar Harbor, March 11, 2023. $400. Jail 120 days. Probation one year. Unlawful possession of scheduled drug at Bar Harbor, March 11, 2023. $400, suspended. Jail 120 days. Unlawful possession of scheduled drug at Bar Harbor, March 11, 2023. Dismissed. Unlawful possession of scheduled drug at Bar Harbor, March 11, 2023. Dismissed.
Brendon O. Long, 38, Hancock. Misuse of identification at Bar Harbor, June 14, 2020. Jail five months.
Gowtham Mahalingam, 40, Brooklyn, N.Y. OUI (alcohol) – no test at Bar Harbor, Sept. 22, 2021. Dismissed.
Shawn A. Marsh, 49, Calais. OUI (Drugs or combo) at Bar Harbor, June 20,2022. $500. Jail four days. License suspended 150 days. Criminal mischief at Bar Harbor, June 20, 2022. Jail four days. Unlawful possession of scheduled drug at Bar Harbor, June 20, 2022. $400, suspended. Jail four days. Failing to make oral or written accident report at Bar Harbor, June 20, 2022. Jail four days. Violating condition of release at Bar Harbor, June 20, 2022. Jail four days.
Kara H. Jeffas, 46, Bar Harbor. OUI (alcohol) at Bar Harbor. April 23, 2022. $850. License suspended 150 days. Endangering the welfare of a child at Bar Harbor, April 23, 2022. Dismissed.
Sophia Veronica-Janet Watras, 19, Hancock. OUI (alcohol) at Bar Harbor, Sept. 24, 2022. $500. License suspended 150 days. Operating vehicle without license – conditions and restrictions at Bar Harbor, Sept. 24, 2022. Dismissed. Failing to make oral or written accident report at Bar Harbor, Sept. 24, 2022. Dismissed.
Cullen Bahr, 38, Bar Harbor. Operating after registration suspended at Bar Harbor, March 18, 2023. $100. Larry O. King Jr., 50, Ellsworth. Operating while license suspended or revoked at Bar Harbor, April 3, 2023. $250.
Stephanie Alexandra Diehl, 34, Garden City, N.Y. Assault at Bar Harbor, April 26, 2023. Criminal mischief at Bar Harbor, April 26, 2023.
Star Stockbridge, 46, Bar Harbor. Theft by unauthorized taking or transfer at Ellsworth, March 28, 2023.
Alexis Lilly, 31, Bar Harbor. Violating protective order at Bar Harbor, June 1, 2023. Dismissed. Violating condition of release at Bar Harbor, Dismissed.
Carolyn R. Housman, 60, Bar Harbor. Assault at Bar Harbor, June 5, 2023. $300. Jail 24 hours.