Woman From Somesville Dies in Aurora House Fire Deemed to be Suspicious
And All of the Other Local Law Enforcement News
AURORA––Marie Robbins, originally from Somesville, died in a fire in her home in Aurora, May 20.
On May 20, 2024, at approximately 5 a.m., the Aurora Fire Department responded to a residential fire at 23 Old Dam Way in Great Pond. Once on scene, the department notified the State Fire Marshal’s Office that there had been a fatal fire where two bodies were discovered. Both bodies were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where autopsies were conducted. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is being assisted by the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North to help investigate the circumstance surrounding the fire and the deaths.
On May 21, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North were continuing to investigate the deaths of the two individuals discovered in the fire remains in Great Pond. The autopsies had been completed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner but more testing is needed to determine cause and manner of death. The identities had not been confirmed at that time and needed DNA examination.
On May 23, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner positively identified the two bodies discovered in the fire rubble at 23 Old Dam Way in Great Pond. One victim was the occupant of the residence, 35-year-old Marie Robbins. The other was identified as 38-year-old Ryan Devisme of Aurora. The investigation is continuing and still pending further testing by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, but the deaths are considered suspicious.
Authorities do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public. Testing by the medical examiner’s office can take some time to complete. Future updates will come once more results are received.
Robbins was a volunteer Aurora firefighter and according to her Facebook page, from Somesville.
On the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page, the department posted, “The Aurora Volunteer Fire Department mourns the loss of one of our newest and most enthusiastic members, Marie Robbins. We did the unthinkable when we responded early Monday morning to her residence in Great Pond and found it mostly gone when we arrived. The fire and deaths of Marie and Ryan Devisme are currently under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Maine State Police. We mourn the loss of Marie, who was wonderful member, and our hearts go out to her family and friends. May we all find peace some day.”
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.
Monday, May 20, 2024
After conducting a traffic stop in Mount Desert, Officer Troy Stanwood arrested Ashley Cappuccilli, 28, of New Hampshire, for alleged operating under the influence.
Officer Lukas Keene arrested Baker J. Olin, 22, of North Carolina, for alleged operating under the influence. The arrest came following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor. Olin was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officers assisted the Maine State Police and State Fire Marshal’s Office with an investigation in Mount Desert.
Officer Ted Cake performed a well-being check in Mount Desert and found the person to be fine and not in need of assistance.
Officer Elias Burne responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, but the vehicle was heading off the island, so the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department was notified.
Officer Liam Harrington arrested Kevin M. Shaughnessy, 32, of Bedford, New Hampshire for alleged criminal trespass in Bar Harbor.
Someone made a complaint to the Mount Desert Police Department that was not a criminal matter and the complainant was advised on how to handle the situation.
A complaint was made to the Bar Harbor Police Department regarding utility trucks blocking the roadway. Officer Kaleb Payson spoke with the workers and deemed the trucks not to be a hazard.
Officer Burne performed a well-being check in Bar Harbor and found the person to be fine.
Officer Payson responded to a loose dog complaint in Mount Desert but failed to locate the dog.
Officer Burne assisted someone in Bar Harbor. No further information or disposition was given.
Officer Harrington jumpstarted a disabled motor vehicle in Bar Harbor.
Officer Burne responded to a report of a vehicle on a private road in Bar Harbor but the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Nathan Formby issued David Bunker, 41, of Bar Harbor, a summons for alleged operating under the influence.
The Harborside Hotel in Bar Harbor reported people trespassing late at night, but responding officers could not locate anyone.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
An officer responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Route 3 in Bar Harbor but failed to locate the suspect vehicle.
Officers responded to Rodick Place in Bar Harbor for a citizen assist. No further information or disposition was given.
Samir Neale, 58, of Liverpool, New York, called the Bar Harbor Police Department while he was on I-95 traveling back to New York to report that his 2023 Tesla had been struck while it was parked at the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel overnight.
Officer T. Cake is investigating a report of vandalism in Mount Desert.
An officer responded to a dog in a car complaint on West Street in Bar Harbor. The owners were coming back to the vehicle just as the officer arrived. No action was taken by the officer.
Officers responded to Woodbury Road in Bar Harbor for a loose dog complaint. The owner of the dog was spoken to by an officer and educated on laws regarding roaming dogs.
Officer Zack Kline responded to a complaint regarding a possibly intoxicated driver in Bar Harbor but failed to locate the suspect vehicle. Surrounding agencies were notified of the complaint.
Officer Harrington took a report of a possible ordinance violation in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Jerrod Hardy served a Bar Harbor resident with a temporary protection from abuse order.
Officer Harrington received information from a Bar Harbor business regarding an employee that they had fired.
Officer Burne responded to a location in Acadia National Park for a report of an unconscious person. An ambulance and park rangers responded and took over and the person did not require transport by the ambulance.
Officer Harrington took a report of a parking problem in Mount Desert. No further information or disposition was given.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
A woman walked into the Bar Harbor Police Department to report a suspicious man at a local gas station. The complainant said that the man was acting like an employee and tried to pump her gas for her. She just wanted the incident on record.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg was provided information regarding a non-criminal matter in Mount Desert.
Officers responded to a report of an intoxicated man passed out on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor. Officers determined that there was no medical emergency and the man was moved along.
Officers arrested Stefan R. Dixon, 35, of Bar Harbor, for alleged domestic violence assault and alleged criminal restraint in Bar Harbor. Dixon was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Sgt. Chris Dickens responded with ambulance personnel for a report of a pedestrian passed out on the shoulder of Route 3 in Bar Harbor. Upon arrival, it was determined that the pedestrian had tripped on a rock and not in need of any medical care. Sgt. Dickens provided the person with a ride.
Sgt. Hardy attempted to locate a vehicle that was the subject of an erratic operation complaint on Route 102 in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
After responding to a report of gunshots in Bar Harbor, Officer Judson Cake warned a man for fireworks.
Edward Damm, no age given, of Blue Hill, was driving a 2020 Chevy Silverado on Route 102 in Bar Harbor when a deer entered the roadway and was allegedly struck by Damm’s vehicle. There was no reported personal injury. The truck suffered front driver’s side corner and headlight damage.
Officer Keene assisted someone in Bar Harbor who requested that an ambulance transport them to the MDI Hospital.
Officer Keene transported someone back to their residence from the MDI Hospital.
Officer J. Cake checked on a man lying on the ground in Bar Harbor and found him to be all set.
Sgt. Sundberg took a report of a sick fox in Bar Harbor and passed the information on to the Maine Warden’s Service.
Sgt. Sundberg is investigating a report of threatening behavior in Bar Harbor.
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Tozier made contact with a Bar Harbor community member experiencing crisis.
Sgt. Sundberg spoke with someone in Bar Harbor about a protection order and determined that there had not been a violation.
A Mount Desert business reported a possible theft but later called back to say that the items had been paid for.
Sgt. Sundberg was given information about some suspicious activity in the area. The area/town of the suspicious activity was not named.
Sgt. Dickens jumpstarted a vehicle for someone at a Bar Harbor motel.
Officer T. Cake directed traffic in Mount Desert while a tow truck got a vehicle back on the road. The vehicle had gone in a ditch. There was no damage to the vehicle.
A Bar Harbor resident called the police department to report suspicious behavior that they wanted documented.
Officer Burne responded to a noise complaint in Bar Harbor that he deemed to be unsubstantiated.
Friday, May 24, 2024
Officers responded to a report of people fighting in Bar Harbor. The people involved were issued warnings for disorderly conduct.
Officer Keene responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, located the vehicle, but lost it again in the heavy traffic flow.
Someone reported illegal parking in Mount Desert. Officer T. Cake located the suspect vehicles and was able to get the owners to move them.
A man inquired with the Bar Harbor Police Department about dissemination laws in Maine following a road rage incident.
Sgt. Sundberg assisted a neighboring agency. No further information or disposition was given.
Deborah Suter, 65, of Bar Harbor, was driving a 2018 Subaru Outback and was stopped at a stop sign on Sound Drive in Mount Desert behind Colin Gehan, 43, of Connecticut, who was driving a 2020 Subaru Outback. Suter allegedly started to move her Outback forward prior to Gehan doing so with his Subaru, and her car struck the rear of Gehan’s vehicle. There was no reported personal injury. Suter’s vehicle suffered minor front-end damage and Gehan’s vehicle suffered minor rear-end damage.
Officer Burne assisted a motorist with a disabled vehicle on the Eagle Lake Road. The vehicle was moved to a different location to await the arrival of a tow truck.
Someone reported a suspicious looking vehicle in Northeast Harbor.
Officers responded to a report of a dispute between two people at a Bar Harbor business. The matter is under investigation.
Officer Caleb Mora took a report of a wildlife problem in Otter Creek. The complaint was passed on to the Maine Warden Service.
Officers spoke with someone in Bar Harbor regarding an ongoing phone harassment issue. The complaint was documented and the complainant was provided with ways to mitigate the issue.
Officer Payson spoke with someone in Bar Harbor regarding some family issues.
Officer Payson handled a nighttime noise complaint regarding skateboarders in Bar Harbor. Officer Payson found the complaint to be unsubstantiated, but the skateboarders elected to go somewhere else anyway.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Officer Formby responded with the Bar Harbor Fire Department to a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Prajwol Thapa, 30, of Midlothian, Texas, was arrested by Officer Harrington for alleged operating under the influence.
Officer Payson gave two people a ride to their hotel in Bar Harbor.
The Bar Harbor Police Department was advised of a traffic complaint, but no officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle.
Officers served a Bar Harbor man with a cease harassment notice on behalf of the Ellsworth Police Department.
Maxwell Dowe, 28, of Hancock, was backing a 2011 Audi out of a parking space at Mother’s Kitchen on Route 102 in Bar Harbor and allegedly backed into a 2020 GMC Sierra that was passing behind him and being driven by Thomas Nason, 59, of Southwest Harbor. There was no personal injury reported. Both vehicles suffered damage to the driver’s side of their bumpers.
James Tweedie, 65, of Bar Harbor, was operating a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz on Route 3 in Bar Harbor and was allegedly erratically swerving left to right while he was behind Cote Mitchell, 31, of Bar Harbor who was driving a 2019 Toyota 4 Runner. Mitchell allegedly tried to get into the right-hand lane so that Tweedie could pass him and did not realize that Tweedie was already trying to pass on the right by allegedly going onto the shoulder and partially into the dirt. The two vehicles made contact which resulted in no reported injury and minor damage to both vehicles. The report states that a witness at the scene allegedly corroborated about the operation of the Hyundai. According to the police report, Tweedie said he was trying to pass because he needed to use a bathroom. He was issued a ticket for improper passing.
Officer Kline documented a complaint by a caller to the Bar Harbor Police Department regarding a post on X (Twitter).
Officer Mora was in route to assist another agency with a bail and warrants check, but his assistance was cancelled before he could arrive.
Following a traffic stop in Mount Desert, Officer Mora summonsed Cameron Colbeth, 36, of Swans Island, for alleged attachment of false plates and failure to register a motor vehicle.
Officers responded to a Hulls Cove address and are investigating a 911 complaint from a woman saying that she was being harassed.
Officer Harrington took a report from a Bar Harbor resident who was a victim of fraud.
Officer Keene responded to a motor vehicle operation complaint, located the suspect vehicle, but did not observe any issues.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Jeffrey Dolley, 25, of Brunswick, Maine, was driving a 2015 Toyota Prius on Route 3 in Bar Harbor when a deer allegedly entered the roadway. Dolley managed to avoid striking the deer but allegedly failed to maintain control of the Prius and went off the roadway. There was no reported personal injury but the Prius suffered substantial front-end and driver’s side damage.
Officer Payson assisted someone in Mount Desert. No further information or disposition was given.
Austin Porchelli, 27, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, was driving a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander on Indian Point Road in Mount Desert when a deer entered the roadway and was allegedly struck by Porchelli’s vehicle. There was no reported personal injury. The Outlander had to be towed due to the front passenger’s side quarter panel damage.
Officer Mora responded to a loose horse complaint in Bar Harbor. Officer Mora and a neighbor guided the horse back home.
A delayed motor vehicle complaint was received in Bar Harbor. Officer Mora made contact with the suspect driver and made them aware of the complaint.
An injured bird was reported in Somesville and the complaint was passed on to the Maine Warden Service.
Natalie Nelson, 30, of Bar Harbor, was driving a 2008 Ford Mustang north on Eden Street and allegedly failed to slow with the traffic due to a dog jumping into Nelson’s lap and allegedly struck the rear-end of a 2024 Dodge Ram that was being driven by Akshat Singh, 26, of India. Nelson reported wrist pain and had a forehead cut as a result of airbag deployment. The Mustang sustained serious front-end damage and the Ram sustained damage to the rear bumper, quarter panel, and exhaust system.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR AND TREMONT
The following incidents occurred in Southwest Harbor last week according to the Southwest Harbor Police Department police log, which is publicly released information.
Monday, May 20, 2024
Officer Bradley Russell responded to a local business after receiving a complaint that there were people hanging around the business after it had closed. Officer Russell found one person at the location who was waiting for their friend to close up the business.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Chief John Hall is investigating a late report of a domestic disturbance.
Officer James Kamorski and Lt. Franklin Burke let a local resident back into their apartment after they had locked themselves out.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Lt. Burke performed a keep the peace at the school while teachers addressed an issue.
Officer Russell received a motor vehicle complaint and spoke with the subject involved.
Officer Russell responded to an automated crash notification from a phone on Main Street but could not locate any vehicle or phone.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Eric Rodick, 57, of Southwest Harbor, was driving a 2024 Chevy Silverado south on Main Street and Jon Crossman, 57, of Tremont, was driving a 2010 Ford Super Duty pickup north on Main Street. When the two vehicles passed each other, their side view mirrors allegedly made contact, and Rodick’s mirror allegedly swung through his window and struck him in the forehead.
Friday, May 24, 2024
Officer Kamorski and Lt. Burke responded to a report of a person who seemed to be unconscious under some trees off Main Street. After making contact with the person, the officers found them to be fine and that they just needed to rest for a bit.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Officer Kamorski and Lt. Burke assisted someone with getting back into their vehicle after they had locked themselves out of it.
William Pelletier, 72, of Tremont, reported that an unknown person had struck their 2020 GMC Sierra while it was parked on the Marshall Brook Road. This caused damage to the left rear quarter panel. The complaint is under investigation.
Lt. Burke tried to locate some fireworks being shot off near the town garage but could not locate the source.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Officer Ryan Blakeney and Officer Kamorski responded to a complaint of kids riding motor bikes and being loud and disruptive. The officers spoke with the complainant and then the parents of the kids and advised the parents not to let their kids ride on the street.
Officer Kamorski directed traffic for the Memorial Day parade.
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.
Maine State Police Investigate Skeletal Remains Found in Gorham
GORHAM—On May 21, 2024, Gorham police responded to 76 Longfellow Road in Gorham after receiving a call from utility workers believing they had come across skeletal remains. Once on scene, Gorham police notified the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit South to assist in the investigation. The remains have been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta. Gorham and state police continue to investigate.
Fire Damages Local Fire Department
STACYVILLE—On May 21, 2024, at 8:49 p.m., a 911 call was placed to the Penobscot RCC for a report of smoke coming from the Stacyville Fire Department located at 370 Station Road. Numerous mutual aid fire departments and members of the Stacyville Fire Department responded.
Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire, but the building and several pieces of apparatus were damaged. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to conduct an origin and cause investigation.
Once an investigation was completed, it was determined that the fire originated at an interior wall of the fire station where multiple lithium-ion batteries were charging on a shelf. The fire is being classified as accidental.
One firefighter was transported to a local hospital, treated, and released for a leg injury (non-fire related).
The Stacyville fire department was assisted by Sherman, Patten, Mt. Chase, Island Falls, Oakfield, and East Millinocket Fire Departments.
Maine State Police Investigate and Make Arrest in Litchfield Homicide
LITCHFIELD—On May 18, 2024, at approximately 2:08 p.m., the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office responded to 1724 Hallowell Road in Litchfield at the request of a family member. Upon their arrival, 90-year-old Gerald Marin was found deceased in his residence. Deputies contacted the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit, who responded and began investigating the circumstances of the death.
Maine State Police detectives and evidence technicians worked through the weekend, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Sunday, May 19, 2024, ruling the death a homicide.
On May 22, 2024, Major Crimes detectives arrested 55-year-old Shari Allimah of Lewiston, charging her with Murder. Allimah was being held at the Androscoggin County Jail on unrelated charges.
State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Chelsea Fire
CHELSEA—On May 26, 2024, Chelsea Fire responded to a structure fire at New England Rent to Own on the River Road in Chelsea. After the fire was extinguished, a team of investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene to determine origin and cause of the fire. After a thorough investigation, the fire was determined to have started in an area of the warehouse storing lithium batteries and considered accidental in nature.
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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