Trenton Man Leads BH-MDPD Officer on Eight-Mile High Speed Chase
All local and not-quite-so-local law enforcement press releases
BAR HARBOR—According to the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department weekly press release and Public Safety Operations Coordinator Kevin Edgecomb, on Tuesday, July 1, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Officer Troy Stanwood initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that was traveling on Route 102 in Bar Harbor. The reason for the traffic stop was the suspected false attachment of a license plate.
The driver of the vehicle, a 2018 Dodge Charger, initially stopped for Officer Stanwood but then took off from the stop with Officer Stanwood giving chase. An approximately eight-mile-long high speed pursuit ensued with the vehicle traveling through Bar Harbor, Trenton, and Lamoine with the pursuit ending on the Jordan River Road in Trenton.
The alleged driver and only occupant of the vehicle, Jacob C. Gage, 39, of Trenton, was arrested and charged with the following alleged crimes:
Eluding an officer (class C)
Driving to endanger (class E)
Criminal speeding (class E)
Operating after suspension (class E)
False attachment of plates (class E)
Operating unregistered motor vehicle (class E)
Gage was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
The Bar Harbor Police and Mount Desert Department was assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
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, July 1, 2025
Someone reported children taking money from the fountain in Agamont Park in Bar Harbor. “No action taken at this time.”
Someone reported a scam to Officer Ted Cake in Bar Harbor. No money had been lost by the reporting property.
A tree limb was reported on a power line on the Cromwell Harbor Road in Bar Harbor. The road was temporarily closed to traffic until power crews were able to remove the limb.
Officer T. Cake moved a vehicle along that was attempting to park in a yellow zone in Bar Harbor.
The Bar Harbor Police Department received a report of a truck being operated in an erratic manner in Bar Harbor, but all officers were out of position to try and intercept the truck.
The Bar Harbor Police Department contacted Versant for a power line down on private property in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Doug Brundrett responded to an erratic operation complaint on Eden Street in Bar Harbor, located the vehicle, stopped the vehicle, and warned the driver for their poor operation after finding that they were not impaired.
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Tozier followed up on a family conflict in Bar Harbor.
Officer Shelby O’Neil assisted the Mount Desert Fire Department on a medical call in Mount Desert.
Officer T. Cake spoke with someone in Bar Harbor who had questions about a possible scam.
Sgt. Chris Dickens assisted Acadia National Park in trying to locate someone in Bar Harbor who was a person of interest in an incident that had occurred in the park.
Officer T. Cake fingerprinted someone in Bar Harbor for that person’s sex offender registry paperwork.
The Bar Harbor Police Department received a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, but all officers were out of position, so Southwest Harbor was notified of the complaint.
A delivery truck got stuck in a driveway off the Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor and was partially blocking the roadway. Sgt. Dickens directed traffic until a tow truck could arrive.
Someone made a traffic complaint regarding speeding on Kebo Street in Bar Harbor.
Officer Liam Harrington responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Sgt. Dickens checked on someone in Mount Desert who was experiencing a mental health crisis.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Officer Kaleb Payson responded to a report of a baby deer stuck in a fence on Kebo Street in Bar Harbor and was able to free the deer from the fence.
An Otter Creek resident called the police department and spoke with Officer Caleb Mora about a non-police matter but then refused to cooperate “at all.”
Officer Mora performed a requested well-being check on someone sleeping in a Bar Harbor park. The person was okay but Officer Mora made him clean up his litter.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg responded to a report of a bicycle left on the complainant’s property in Bar Harbor, located the bike, and reunited it with its owner.
Someone reported an illegally parked car in Bar Harbor and the complaint was given to the parking enforcement officers.
Officer Zack Kline responded to a report of a vehicle occupant spitting on people in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Crystal Roberts, 54, of Hancock, was driving a 2016 Jeep on Route 3 in Bar Harbor when she allegedly fell asleep and went off the roadway to the right. The vehicle hit a number of mailboxes and the vehicle came to rest on a lawn. Roberts was transported to the hospital due to a complaint of back pain and left arm pain. The Jeep suffered front end and undercarriage damage.
After a Bar Harbor business reported a theft and an ensuing investigation, Dominic Cattadoris, 41, unhoused, was arrested by Officer Mora and transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Justin Burnett responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Officer Nathan Formby responded to a complaint of suspicious activity in Bar Harbor but could not locate the subject of the complaint.
Officer Lukas Keene responded to a noise complaint on Cedar Avenue in Bar Harbor and warned a man for the town’s noise ordinance and asked him to quiet down for the night.
Officer Keene handled a report of an open door on a Bar Harbor business and made the owner aware of the situation and the owner said that they would handle it.
Officer Keene responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a Bar Harbor hotel and the people involved were separated for the night.
A Bar Harbor resident requested a ride to MDI Hospital and Officer Keene gave them a ride to the hospital.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Officer Keene gave someone a ride home in Bar Harbor from the hospital.
Officer Keene assisted another entity in Bar Harbor with getting paperwork signed by a justice of the peace.
The Mount Desert Elementary School reported damage to a fence to Officer Kline so that it could be documented.
Sgt. Sundberg performed a mental health check on someone on Ells Pier in Bar Harbor and found them to not be in any sort of crisis.
John Rodrigue, 61, of Vienna, Maine, was driving a not described vehicle on Route 3 in Bar Harbor and was behind Erick Chambers, 47, of Bangor who was driving an unspecified vehicle. Chambers came to a stop due to the vehicle in front of him waiting to make a left-hand turn. Rodrigue was allegedly following to close and driving too fast to stop and his vehicle struck the rear of Chambers’ vehicle. There were no reported injuries. Chambers’ vehicle suffered minor damage to the rear bumper and Rodrigue’s vehicle suffered significant damage to the front end.
Officer Burnett assisted the fire department with traffic control at a dumpster fire in Bar Harbor.
Officer Kline responded to a vehicle operation complaint on Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor, located the vehicle on Sound Drive in Mount Desert, and issued the driver a warning for speeding.
Officer Judson Cake responded to a report that a deer had been hit and was in the middle of Main Street in Somesville but was unable to locate the deer.
Officer Formby responded with the ambulance to a medical call in Bar Harbor but was not needed.
Officer J. Cake assisted a motorist whose vehicle had broken down on Sound Drive in Mount Desert.
Officer Keene helped someone find their vehicle in Bar Harbor.
Officer Formby responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, located the vehicle, and warned the driver for their operation.
Friday, July 4, 2025
Sgt. Sundberg spoke with a group of people who were upset that a person parking a vehicle had moved their chairs that they had set up for the parade in Bar Harbor.
Following a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert, Officer O’Neil arrested Demetri Grosner, 25, of New Hampshire, for alleged operating under the influence.
The Mount Desert Police Department received a report of a vehicle operating at a high rate of speed on Route 102 but no officers were in the area so the Southwest Harbor Police Department was made aware of the complaint.
The Bar Harbor Police Department received multiple complaints of vehicles parking in no parking zones in Bar Harbor.
Following a complaint, Officer Formby arrested Kameron Dailey, 25, of Canton, New York, for alleged disorderly conduct and alleged refusing to submit to arrest or detention in Bar Harbor. Dailey was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
A man called 911 and reported that he could not find his partner. The caller was advised that police had made contact with his partner in Bar Harbor and the caller went to the location where his partner was.
Sgt. Brundrett responded to motor vehicle complaint on Route 3 in Bar Harbor where the suspect vehicle was reported to be driving slowly, brake checking other vehicles, and hindering traffic. Sgt. Brundrett located the suspect vehicle and found the operator to be fatigued due to traveling all day.
Officer J. Cake responded to a complaint of a speeding vehicle on Eden Street in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Officer T. Cake responded to a loose dog complaint on Eden Street in Bar Harbor but could not locate any dogs.
Officer J. Cake assisted some people with a ride back to their hotel in Bar Harbor.
Officer J. Cake responded to a noise complaint in Hall Quarry and found a group of people sitting around s fire pit who were not in violation of any laws or ordinances.
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Burnett checked on two people who were arguing on Rodick Street in Bar Harbor. The two people separated without issue.
Officer Formby gave a ride to two people from downtown Bar Harbor to their campground.
Officer Payson responded to a traffic hazard on Main Street in Bar Harbor and removed the hazard from the roadway.
Officer Keene gave a group of people a ride to their residence in downtown Bar Harbor.
Officer Formby located an intoxicated man passed out in downtown Bar Harbor and made arrangements for a place for him to sleep for the night.
Officer Payson assisted someone having a mental health issue in Mount Desert.
Officer Formby issued someone a trespass warning for a Bar Harbor business.
Officer T. Cake assisted another agency with locating a man in Bar Harbor but could not locate him.
Someone reported a deceased deer on the side of the road in Bar Harbor and DOT was contacted to remove the deer.
Officer O’Neil received information from someone in Bar Harbor.
Officer O’Neil responded to a report of someone trying to use counterfeit money in a Bar Harbor business. Officer O’Neil located the person and gave them a trespass warning for the business.
Sgt. Brundrett checked on a woman reported to be sleeping on a bench along the Shore Path in Bar Harbor and found her to be fine.
Officer O’Neil responded to a report of a tractor trailer blocking a road in Bar Harbor while it was being unloaded. Officer O’Neil instructed the driver to move to a loading zone to unload.
Officer T. Cake is investigating a reported domestic dispute in Otter Creek.
A motor vehicle complaint was received in Bar Harbor but all officers were out of position.
Officer T. Cake responded to Otter Creek for a reported domestic dispute that was only a verbal argument.
Officer O’Neil is investigating a theft of merchandise from a Bar Harbor business.
A motor vehicle complaint in Somesville was received but all officers were out of position so the complaint was passed on to the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
Officer Formby responded with the ambulance to a medical call in Bar Harbor but was not needed.
Officer Formby received a report of a vehicle idling for a long period of time in Mount Desert. Officers are “familiar with the circumstances of the situation and were aware that there was no cause for concern.”
Officer Harrington responded with the ambulance to a medical emergency in Seal Harbor.
Sgt. Dickens responded to a report of a possibly injured deer on Eden Street in Bar Harbor but could not locate the deer.
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Officers responded to a report of a group of patrons at a Bar Harbor business. All of the people were issued no trespass warnings for the business, warned not to drive, and one was issued a warning for disorderly conduct.
Following a traffic stop, Officer Payson arrested Chintu Patel, 42, of Edison, NJ, for alleged operating under the influence. Patel was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer O’Neil responded to a report of a deer that had been hit by a car in Bar Harbor but could not locate the deer.
Officer O’Neil spoke with two family members in Mount Desert who were arguing and made plans for them to meet on a different day in a calmer setting and discuss the things that were bothering them .
Officer O’Neil took someone who was experiencing a mental health crisis in Bar Harbor into protective custody.
Officer T. Cake is investigating a reported theft of merchandise from a Bar Harbor business.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer T. Cake are investigating a reported theft from a Bar Harbor business.
Officer Payson provided information and guidance to someone in Mount Desert.
Officer J. Cake is investigating a dog bite that was reported by MDI Hospital.
Officer Payson gave someone a ride home in Bar Harbor.
Monday, July 7, 2025
Officer J. Cake performed a well-being check on someone reported to be lying on the sidewalk in Bar Harbor, determined that she was camping on the sidewalk, and moved her along.
Officer O’Neil moved a person along who was blocking a sidewalk in Bar Harbor.
Officer Burnett received an unfounded parking complaint in Mount Desert.
MHL Tozier spoke with someone in Mount Desert who is dealing with a multitude of life stressors.
On behalf of the Maine State Police, Sgt. Doug Brundrett went to a Bar Harbor residence to try and locate someone whose vehicle was found unoccupied in Lamoine but could not locate anyone at the residence.
Officer Burnett contacted a tow company on behalf of someone who was locked out of their vehicle in Mount Desert.
MHL Tozier met with someone who is unhoused and offered resources in Bar Harbor.
Officer Burnett responded to an Otter Creek residence where a person with an active arrest warrant was supposedly located but the person was not there when Officer Burnett arrived.
Following a motor vehicle stop in Mount Desert, Officer Keene arrested David Magee, 57, Indianapolis, IN, for alleged operating under the influence.
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, June 30, 2025
Sgt. Ryan Blakeney responded to a Tremont address and spoke with someone about a street sign issue. The person said that they would rectify the issue after having the problem explained to them.
Officer Bradley Russell spoke to a Tremont woman after receiving a late report of an accident and explained her options to her.
Officer Russell responded to a complaint of a camper parked on a Southwest Harbor roadway making it hard for vehicles to pass but could not locate the camper.
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Officer Russell performed a boat escort in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell assisted another law enforcement agency with a search warrant in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Kristen Roulet was in the area of a report of a high-pitched noise or alarm in Southwest Harbor but could not hear any noise matching the described noise.
A Tremont resident went to the Southwest Harbor Police Department to make a complaint about speeding vehicles on a Tremont Road. Officer Rick Graham responded immediately and placed the speed notification trailer in the area of the complaint.
Officer Roulet responded to a found dog complaint in Southwest Harbor but the owner was at the complainant’s location to retrieve the dog when Officer Roulet arrived.
Officer Graham responded to an erratic vehicle operation complaint in Southwest Harbor, located the vehicle, stopped the vehicle, and found that the driver was not impaired.
After receiving a report of a dispute between tenants at a Southwest Harbor apartment complex, Officer Graham responded and was able to get the people calmed down and involved in some civil discourse.
After responding to an erratic vehicle operation complaint in Southwest Harbor, Officer Graham located the vehicle unoccupied and could not locate possible operators.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Officer Roulet spoke with someone from Tremont who was seeking information regarding a previous call and was able to provide clarification for the person.
A juvenile called the Southwest Harbor Police Department and said that she was locked out of her family’s vacation rental and that her parents were not available. Officer Roulet responded and arrived at the same time as the juvenile’s parents arrived back.
Officer Roulet responded to a report of two dogs on someone’s property in Southwest Harbor and arrived at the same time as the owner who had come to retrieve them.
Sgt. Blakeney resolved a parking complaint in Southwest Harbor.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
No reportable incidents.
Friday, July 4, 2025
After receiving a complaint of people swimming in a restricted area in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded and spoke with the swimmers.
Someone in Southwest Harbor reported that a vehicle that is unknown to them had parked in their driveway. Officer Graham told the complainant that they could have the vehicle towed if they wished.
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Officer James Kamorksi rectified a parking situation at the Manset Town Dock in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Kamorski performed a citizen assist in Southwest Harbor.
Shane Dowsland, 41, of Southwest Harbor, was backing up a Chevy Silverado in the area of Long Pond Road in Southwest Harbor when he allegedly struck Denise Duzick, 70, of Southwest Harbor, who was allegedly walking behind the truck. According to Police Chief John Hall, Duzik suffered a “broken arm and other injuries” and was “treated and released.” The truck suffered no damage and no charges were issued.
Officer Kamorski responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Southwest Harbor, located the vehicle, and warned the driver for following to closely.
After receiving a report that a dog had snapped at someone when they were walking by the dog in Southwest Harbor, Officer Kamorksi responded and found the dog to be very friendly.
Officer Kamorksi responded to a business alarm in Southwest Harbor and found no signs of a break in.
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Officer Graham advised a Southwest Harbor resident that child custody issues had to be resolved in court.
Officer Graham responded with the ambulance to Tremont to assist with a medical call but was not needed.
After receiving a complaint from a Tremont resident that one of his dogs had bitten his child, Officer Graham notified the Tremont Animal Control Officer who opened an investigation.
A Tremont resident advised that they were receiving harassing phone calls, texts, and emails from a Southwest Harbor resident. Officer Graham issued the Southwest Harbor resident a cease harassment warning.
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.
Troopers Locate and Arrest Driver Following Hit and Run Crash in Hollis
HOLLIS—On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m., troopers from the Southern Field Troop responded to a report of a crash on Route 5 near Wakefield Road in Hollis. Witnesses reported a tan minivan had crashed into a property and then fled the scene. The vehicle, a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan had left the roadway, traveled a significant distance, and struck the chimney of a residence, causing substantial damage. No one was injured.
Troopers followed a debris trail and gathered additional information, ultimately leading them to the vehicle at a residence in the 300 block of Deerwander Road, 4.5 miles away. At approximately 11:30 a.m., following a brief investigation, troopers identified the driver as 43-year-old Gary Norton who is an unhoused individual. Norton was familiar with the people who lived there. Norton was taken into custody without incident and transported to the York County Jail. He was charged with:
• Felony aggravated operating after habitual offender revocation (with prior)
• Felony aggravated driving to endanger
• Felony aggravated criminal mischief
• Misdemeanor leaving the scene of a crash
Two arrested in Hancock following MDEA drug trafficking investigation
HANCOCK—On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 1, following a month’s long drug trafficking investigation, which included undercover purchases of cocaine base (crack), a search warrant was executed at the Hancock residence of Roland Potter, 38, at 1122 US Route 1. Due to the serious nature of the crimes, threat of firearms, and criminal histories of people involved, traffic was diverted on US Route 1 and the Maine State Police Tactical Team was utilized to secure the residence for a search.
Potter was charged with class A aggravated trafficking schedule W drugs (cocaine base). The charge is aggravated by the presence of a firearm in furtherance of the offense. No bail set.
Also arrested was Justin Gray, 43, of Blue Hill. Gray was charged with class B unlawful trafficking of schedule W drugs (Cocaine Base). Bail set at $2500.00.
As a result of the search, evidence of drug trafficking was seized along with two firearms. One of the firearms was an illegally modified (sawed-off) shotgun.
More arrests and charges are expected based on this investigation.
Maine Drug Enforcement’s Down East Task Force was assisted by the Maine State Police, US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Homeland Security (HSI), Hancock Fire Department, and Sullivan Fire Department.
MDEA and Winslow PD make drug trafficking arrests in Winslow
WINSLOW—For the past several months, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency South Central DTF and the Winslow Police Department have been conducting a joint investigation into the sale of cocaine and fentanyl from a Winslow residence.
On July 1, 2025, Agents obtained a search warrant the residence of Brian Gleason, 38, in Winslow. MDEA, Winslow Police Department, and the Maine State Police executed the search warrant and arrested Gleason during a traffic stop.
Gleason was charged with one count of aggravated drug trafficking class A.
Also arrested was Milciades Diaz-Soto, 34, of Charlestown, Massachusetts. Diaz-Soto was charged with one count of aggravated drug trafficking class A.
During the search of the residence, agents seized 505 grams of cocaine, 7 grams of fentanyl, over $2000 in suspected drug proceeds, and a loaded .38 handgun.
The estimated street value of the cocaine is $62,500.
The estimated street value of the fentanyl is $1400.
Both Gleason and Soto are being held at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility with no bail allowed awaiting their initial appearance in court. Additional charges are expected.
Maine State Police Assisting Clinton Police in Search for Missing Man
CLINTON—The Maine State Police are assisting the Clinton Police Department in a missing person investigation involving 67-year-old William Parent, of Clinton. Mr. Parent was last seen on June 16, 2025, and last heard from on June 20, 2025. Mr. Parent resides on Main Street in Clinton.
Mr. Parent is described as a white male, approximately 5’8”, 148 pounds, bald and with blue eyes. Law enforcement is concerned for his safety and well-being. If you have seen Mr. Parent or have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Clinton Police Department at (207) 426-9192 or the Maine State Police at (207) 624-7076.
Maine State Police Investigating Motorcycle Fatality in Washington County
KOSSUTH—On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at approximately 3:25 p.m., Maine State Police responded to a report of a fatal motorcycle crash on Route 6 in Kossuth. The investigation determined that 84-year-old Dean Bradbury, of Lincoln, was traveling west on Route 6 when he failed to negotiate a left-hand curve.
The motorcycle, a 2000 Honda Shadow, went off the north side of the roadway into a wooded area, and Bradbury was thrown from the bike. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Bradbury was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The Maine State Police were assisted on scene by the Maine Warden Service, the Maine Forestry Service, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
MDEA disrupts drug network in Hancock and Washington Counties
ELLSWORTH—On Wednesday afternoon, July 2, 2025, drug agents assigned to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Downeast Drug Task Force based in Ellsworth continued a lengthy investigation into a drug distribution network operating throughout Hancock and Washington Counties. During the investigation, agents conducted surveillance at an Ellsworth area hotel that led to a motor vehicle stop by the Maine State Police on US Route 1 in Ellsworth at approximately 12:11 p.m.
The 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle was operated by George Pickard, 35, of Franklin. As a result of the stop, a search of Pickard was conducted pursuant to the conditions of his probation. Pickard is currently on probation for a prior unlawful trafficking conviction. As a result of the search, Pickard was found to be in possession of 179.2ggw (gross gram weight) of suspected cocaine HCl, 118.1ggw of fentanyl and $6,465 in suspected drug proceeds.
Pickard was charged with class A aggravated trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine. Picard was transported to the Hancock County Jail without incident, has no bail and is being held on a probation probation.
After Pickard’s arrest, drug agents and members of the Ellsworth Police Department continued surveillance at the Ellsworth hotel Pickard was observed leaving. Based on information gathered during the investigation, agents drafted and executed a search warrant at the Ellsworth hotel at approximately 1:39 p.m. As a result, agents seized 11.8g of fentanyl, 10.7ggw of cocaine base (crack), 49.1ggw of cocaine and approximately $6,465 in suspected drug proceeds from the hotel room.
Also arrested:
Kathryn Christensen, 32, of Gouldsboro who was charged with class A aggravated trafficking of cocaine HCL, cocaine base, and fentanyl. At the time of her arrest, Christensen was free on two sets of bail which included unlawful possession of methamphetamine, cocaine base (crack), and Oxycodone (class C) and for violation of conditions of release (class E). No bail was set for Christensen.
Sharod Nunes, 46, of Lewiston who was charged with class A aggravated trafficking of cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and fentanyl. No bail was set for Nunes.
In total agents seized 228.3ggw Cocaine, 129.9ggw fentanyl, 10.7ggw cocaine base (crack) and $12,930 in suspected drug proceeds. The estimated street value of the drugs is over $36,000.
More arrests and charges are expected based on this investigation.
Maine Drug Enforcement’s Down East Task Force was assisted by Maine State Police, Ellsworth Police Department, US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Maine Probation & Parole.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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, cocaine and methamphetamine in the State of Maine.
If you or someone you know suffers from 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.
Maine State Police Investigating Homicide in Union
UNION—On Thursday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 1:05 a.m., Maine Game Wardens were called to assist the Union Fire Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in the search for a missing paddleboarder on Crawford Pond in Union. During the course of the search, an adult female was located deceased.
Based on the circumstances surrounding the discovery, Wardens requested the assistance of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central. The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart, of Tenants Harbor.
An autopsy was performed on Thursday, July 3, 2025, by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta. The manner of death was determined to be homicide. The cause of death is not being released at this time.
Anyone who may have seen Sunshine Stewart paddleboarding on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, between 6:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m., near 100 Acre Island on Crawford Pond is asked to contact the Maine State Police at (207) 624-7076. This is an active and ongoing investigation.
As always, members of the public are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. Additional information will be released when it becomes appropriate to do so based on the progress of the investigation.
Domestic Violence Incident Leads to Standoff and Arrest in Waldo County
WINTERPORT—On Friday, July 3, 2025, at approximately 9:06 a.m., the Augusta Regional Communications Center received a 911 call from a woman reporting that her boyfriend had assaulted her. She told dispatchers she was barricaded in a bathroom with her 9-year-old son inside a residence on S. Main Street in Winterport. The caller indicated that her boyfriend had access to firearms and was under the influence of drugs.
The woman and her son were able to safely exit the residence. The child was not injured, and the woman sustained minor injuries.
Multiple attempts were made to contact the male subject, but those efforts were initially unsuccessful. After a short period of time, the man exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. He was identified as 43-year-old Joshua Martin, who resides at the S. Main Street address. Martin was transported to the Waldo County Jail and charged with domestic violence assault, creating a police standoff, and violating conditions of release.
The Maine State Police were assisted by the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, the Maine Forest Service, and the Maine Marine Patrol.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fireworks Malfunction at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry
NEWRY—The Office of the State Fire Marshal is actively investigating a fireworks malfunction that occurred during a display at Sunday River Ski Resort on Barker Mountain Road in Newry on Saturday, July 5, 2025. At approximately 9:15 p.m., a 5-inch firework shell and mortar tube failed during the show, resulting in a blast that injured three members of the Central Maine Pyrotechnics crew.
50-year-old Misty Mellor, of Bath, an assistant working the display, suffered significant injuries from the explosion and was airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland. She remains hospitalized and is recovering.
34-year-old Jeremy Mitchell, of Augusta, the lead technician on the show was transported to Rumford Hospital where he was treated and released the same evening.
30-year-old Robert Bradford of Andover, another assistant, sustained minor injuries and was not transported. The fireworks display was being conducted as part of Independence Day celebrations.
No spectators were injured, and the remainder of the display was canceled following the incident. The cause of the malfunction remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Maine State Police Investigating Motorcycle Crash in I-95 in Fairfield
FAIRFIELD—On Saturday, July 5, 2025, at approximately 7:05 p.m., Maine State Police Troop I troopers responded to a report of a motorcycle crash on the northbound on-ramp to I-95 at mile marker 133 in Fairfield.
Upon arrival, Troopers found a 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle on its side. Bystanders were attempting first aid on the operator, who sustained life-threatening injuries after striking a guardrail. The operator, identified as 40-year-old Kyle Trull, of Bangor, was initially transported to Maine General Medical Center in Waterville before being flown by Lifeflight to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Trull is currently listed in critical condition.
The initial investigation indicates that speed was likely a contributing factor in the crash. Trull was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. The crash remains under investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Explosion in Stetson
STETSON—On Monday, July 7, 2025, at approximately 2:08 p.m., the Stetson Fire Department responded to a report of black smoke and an explosion at 301 Coboro Road in Stetson. Residents at the property had placed Tannerite, a binary explosive often used for target shooting, inside an old camper located behind the house.
The Tannerite was detonated, causing the camper to explode. The blast triggered a fire that threatened nearby woods, but responding fire units were able to extinguish it before it spread. No injuries were reported.
Stetson Fire was assisted by crews from Levant, Carmel, and Etna Fire Departments. The Maine State Police and Maine Forest Rangers also responded. The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the cause of the explosion. The investigation remains ongoing.
Maine Marine Patrol Searching Kennebec River for Augusta Man
BATH—The Maine Marine Patrol is resumed a search on July 7 in the Kennebec River near Bath for Robert Stolt, 22 of Augusta, who was fishing yesterday when he attempted to rescue his dog, which had jumped in the river from Stolt's 23-foot boat near Lines Island.
Marine Patrol was notified of the incident July 6 at 2:10 p.m., after a witness called 911 to report seeing two people in the water.
Marine Patrol was joined in the search by local fire and police personnel, along with members of the U.S. Coast Guard, the State Police/Marine Patrol Underwater Recovery Team, and the Maine Forest Service.
A female passenger on Stolt's boat along with a second dog were rescued by other boaters and transported to shore. Local EMS personnel treated the female passenger for minor injuries. Both dogs have been rescued.
The July 6 search continued in the vicinity of Lines Island until 11:00 p.m., when it was postponed due to poor visibility.
Today's search, involving Marine Patrol boats and plane, began at 5:00 a.m., and is focusing on the Kennebec River near Lines Island.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy of Maine Department of Public Safety.
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