Police seek robbery suspect

Courtesy of Steve McCausland Maine Public Safety

Photo courtesy of Maine Public Safety

NEWPORT - Police are looking for a young bank robber who robbed the T D Bank on Main Street in Newport shortly after 9 a.m. Newport Police, the Penobscot County Sheriff's Department and State Police are investigating.

The robber is described as a young man in his late teens to early 20s, 5-foot 6-inches , wearing a black coat with a horizontal zipper on the breast, with gray on the shoulders and sleeves, and tan pants and a tee shirt. The sailor's hat he was wearing similar to Gilligan from on the old T V show, was later found behind the bank. A medium sized red car was seen leaving the area shortly after the robbery.

The robber made off with a money bag after presenting the teller a note indicating he had a gun, although no gun was seen. No one was injured.

Anyone with information on the robber should call State Police in Orono at 866-2122, or 911 on a cell phone.

Rockland PD seeks man in home invasion case

Joshua Ellis, police note that this is an older photo of Ellis.
(Photo courtesy of Rockland Police's Facebook Page)

From the Rockland Police Department's Facebook Page

ROCKLAND - The Rockland Police Department is actively searching for Joshua Ellis (09/26/84). Ellis has an active arrest warrant for his participation in a Home Invasion that occurred in Rockland on January 20th, 2010.

Anyone with information regarding the crime or knows where Ellis is currently hiding, please contact your... local law enforcement agency or contact Det/Sgt. Chris Young of the Rockland Police Department.

Area Wanted 03.24.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of March 23, 2010. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Bertha Wood
Age: 47
Charge: Failure to appear, 4 warrants
Last known address: Bangor

Beth Grant
Age: 29
Charge: Failure to appear
Last known address: Bangor

See an error? Please direct your questions to 947-4585.

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Brian Nadeau
(Photo courtesy of Penobscot County Jail)

Maybe he should cut back on the caffeine

ORONO – An Orono man went to jail after he allegedly pushed his way into line, shoved a customer and then got belligerent with police.
Around 12 noon on March 21, police were called to Verve on 2 Mill Street for a customer who was acting belligerent. Officers Derek Dinsmore and Chris Watson arrived and learned that a man, later identified as Brian Nadeau, 42, of Orono, had walked up to the counter in front of a customer being waited on and gave the employee a handful of change. He then reportedly grabbed a coffee cup, turned to look at the customer who was being served and struck him in the chest with the cup, causing the man to move backwards slightly.
When police arrived, Nadeau was outside sitting on a bench. When the officers spoke to him, he used profanity and he was warned to stop swearing. He asked the officers to “bring the little mother f—ker out” so he could talk to him. He continued to be vulgar and was informed that he was under arrest. Nadeau reportedly was uncooperative when officers attempted to handcuff him, but was taken into custody and escorted to Penobscot County Jail. He was charged with disorderly conduct, refusing to submit to arrest or detention and assault.

Giving a false name violates the bail you got for giving a false name

BREWER – Old habits die hard, but can still send you to jail, as a Bangor man found out on Friday.
Sgt. Rich Smith, Cpl. Levi Sewall and Officer Jeff Gotreau responded to a residence on North Main Street for a reported domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they could hear two men conversing loudly. When they knocked on the door, a man answered. The officers asked who the other person was and the man said it was his brother and that he was in the bathroom.
When the officers asked McHugh to get his brother, he refused. Gotreau asked who was really in the bathroom and McHugh told him he wasn’t “a rat.”
They eventually got both outside and spoke to the second man. He gave a false name, but through some investigation and computer searches they were able to identify him as Jay McHugh, 30, of Bangor – though he insisted he was a man by another name from South Carolina.
Officers learned that McHugh had an active warrant for failure to give correct name as well as bail conditions not to commit any new crimes. He was arrested on the warrant and charged with violation of conditions of release. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail.

Long distance charges DO apply and then some

ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Police Department has taken several reports of people in the area receiving calls from 876, 809 or 284 area codes. These calls are originating from Jamaica. Detective Dottie Small said that they often work like 900 numbers that charge the caller per minute. Often the callers will leave a message on the machine either saying that a relative is in trouble or injured or that someone in the household has won a prize.
Small said that oftentimes the person calling can be belligerent and rude, and she has had reports of callers swearing at the person who answers the phone.
Unlike the United States, Jamaica doesn’t have the same FCC regulations and can have numbers that cost victims between $25 and $100. Small advises if you do get a call with the above area codes (and you don’t know anyone in Jamaica), don’t answer the phone and don’t call back. If you don’t have caller ID and do answer, explain quickly that you don’t have long distance and hang up.
For more information about these calls or to report a problem, call your local police department.

Juvenile assaulted with hammer

BANGOR – A teen was assaulted with a hammer by another teen last week. Police located the alleged assailant and placed him under arrest.
At about 11:30 p.m. on March 17, Bangor police responded to a call that a 17-year-old juvenile had been assaulted with a hammer while in a vehicle on outer Ohio St. The victim escaped his attacker and was given a ride to Eastern Maine Medical Center by a relative, where he met with a police officer. The juvenile was treated and released from the hospital.
As a result of investigation in this case, on March 18, Bangor police arrested Lawrence Dipietro, 18, of Glenburn, for aggravated assault. He was taken to the Penobscot County Jail.
There were other subjects in the car at the time of the assault and they knew each other – this is not considered to be a random act. The incident remains under investigation.

Police warn of multiple vehicle burglaries

OLD TOWN – Police are urging residents to lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of view.
On March 17, there were 15 reported motor vehicle burglaries. Sgt. Scott Casey said that a majority of the items were taken from unlocked cars, but there were a few instances where the perpetrators broke into a vehicle to retrieve a valuable item that was in sight.
Anyone with information about these burglaries should call the Old Town Police Department at 827-3984.

‘I can’t do this, guy. You got me.’

BREWER – It’s good to know your limits, even if it’s after the fact.
Officer Jeff Gotreau was on patrol when he noticed a single cap pickup truck that was quite full and driving erratically. He stopped the vehicle near Fisherman’s Park on South Main Street and spoke to the driver, Joshua Phelps, 27, of Waite. The officer noted the odor of alcohol and had him step out of the vehicle for field sobriety tests.
Phelps had a hard time maintaining his balance and when he fell out of the instruction position for the walk and turn test he reportedly told the officer “I can’t do this, guy. You got me.”
When Gotreau asked if he couldn’t do the test because he was too intoxicated, Phelps reportedly replied, “You got me. I won’t lie.” When asked to complete other tests, he allegedly said, “What’s the point? You got me. I’m drunk.” He was placed under arrest for suspicion of operating under the influence.
One of the other passengers was identified as Derek Townsend, 21, of Old Town. It was found that he had bail conditions not to possess or consume alcohol. Townsend became upset, denying that he had any bail conditions, but he was arrested for violation of conditions of release.
Both were taken to Penobscot County Jail. Phelps was charged with operating under the influence and Townsend was charged with violation of conditions of release.

Know your limits – speed and alcohol

OLD TOWN – A Hampden man was over the speed limit and then found to be over the legal limit for alcohol as well, according to police.
On March 21 around 2:05 a.m., Officer Lee Miller attempted to stop a car for speeding. He turned on his blue lights, but the car kept driving down Stillwater. The driver signaled he was taking a right, but drove straight through the intersection. He pulled into the breakdown lane and finally stopped in the Irving gas station in Orono.
When asked why he didn’t stop, the driver, Casey Bearor, 26, of Hampden, reportedly told police he didn’t “want to be in the street.”
Miller detected the odor of alcohol and noted that Bearor’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot. He told the officer that he had consumed three drinks in the course of the evening, according to police. Miller administered field sobriety tests and Bearor did not pass to the officer’s satisfaction. He was placed under arrest and taken back to the station. His breath alcohol content was 0.16 percent, more than twice the legal limit. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with operating under the influence.

Bucksport PD hiring summer patrol officer

BUCKSPORT - The Bucksport Police Department is accepting resumes for the position of Summer Patrol Officer to patrol the waterfront area for the period of June 7, 2010 to Sept. 12, 2010.
The position will consist of regular patrol, foot patrol and bicycle patrol. Applicants must have successfully completed the 100 hour pre-service law enforcement course and must pass an oral board, extensive background check and Chief's interview.
The work week consists of 40 hours per week; the rate of pay for this position will be $12.17 per hour Interested candidates must submit a resume and 100 hour certificate by mail, in person or by email at bpd@bucksport.biz. Resumes will be accepted until April 23, 2010 at 4:00pm.

The Town of Bucksport is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Police investigate Upton murder

Courtesy of Steve McCausland Department of Public Safety

UPTON - State Police say they are investigating the death of a Limington woman, whose body was found in Upton, Maine Friday afternoon, as a homicide. That determination was made by the State Medical Examiner's Office following an autopsy Sunday which determined that 30 year old Kelly Winslow died of a gunshot wound to the head.

State Police detectives continue to investigate the circumstances of the death, but are releasing no additional information today.

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Things police notice: complete lack of license plates

ORRINGTON – The absence of any license plates whatsoever led to an OUI arrest in late February.
Deputy Chad Young was on patrol on Feb. 26 when he saw a red Subaru parked partially in the road. He noted that the vehicle didn’t have a rear license plate, and when he stopped to investigate further he found there wasn’t a front plate either.
He approached the car and saw that the windows were fogged up and there was a woman lying in the driver’s seat. He knocked on the window and the woman, later identified as Katina Van Sinderen, 33, had difficulty opening the window. She started the car several times in an effort to roll the window down before giving up and ultimately opening the door. While speaking with her he could detect the odor of alcohol. She told the deputy that she was from Washington state and retrieved temporary license plates that she had removed – they had been expired for less than a week at that point.
She reportedly admitted to drinking, and Young administered field sobriety tests. She asked him why he was bothering her, according to police. She did not pass the tests to the officer’s satisfaction and was placed under arrest and taken to the Penobscot County Jail for an Intoxilyzer test. Her blood alcohol content was 0.26 percent, more than three times the legal limit. She initially refused to sign the summons, but did so after deputies explained it was another charge if she refused to sign it. She was charged with operating under the influence.

Cross county assist

HOLDEN – A woman was arrested in Holden after police in Ellsworth reported she had struck utility poles with her vehicle and was headed towards Holden on Rt. 1A.
On March 7, Officer Scott Hendee of Holden Police was alerted that a driver had struck a utility pole and was heading in his direction. He located the vehicle, pulled it over in the post office parking lot and spoke with the driver, Tia Achey, 25. She reportedly admitted to drinking. Hendee administered field sobriety tests and was assisted by Officer Jeff Gotreau of the Brewer Police Department.
Achey was placed under arrest and taken to Penobscot County Jail. She was found to be over the legal limit and charged with operating under the influence.

Location, location, location

BAILEYVILLE – Police broke up an underage drinking party that didn’t take the neighbors into consideration.
On March 11, Tpr. Greg Burns assisted the Baileyville Police Department with an underage drinking party which was located at a residence across the road from the police department. Twelve subjects were summonsed for illegal possession of liquor by a minor. The two homeowners were arrested for furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol.

Good neighbors give a heads up

TREMONT – A vigilant neighbor alerted a resident that someone was in her place taking her things.
On March 10, Tpr. Greg Mitchell received a burglary complaint from Tremont. The caller reported that she was not at her residence but her neighbor had called her and reported that three people had entered her apartment and were currently removing property. The caller reported that the person who broke into her apartment was a former boyfriend, Jesse Riggleman, of Portland.
A short time later, Jesse Riggleman, 23, Aleksei Legendre, 19, of Saco and Brittney Libby, 18, of Saco were located on Route 3 in Trenton by Marine Patrol Officer Colin MacDonald.
The investigation revealed that Riggleman had allegedly entered the apartment without permission and stole a large number of DVDs and some clothing. Legendre and Libby assisted Riggleman with the burglary, according to police.
Tpr. Mitchell arrested Jesse Riggleman for burglary (Class B) and a violation of bail. Aleksei Legendre was arrested for burglary (Class B), violation of bail and possession of drug paraphernalia. Brittney Libby was also arrested for burglary (Class B), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a usable amount of marijuana.
Tpr. David Barnard and Ellsworth Police Officer Paul Gamble assisted in the investigation.

Not wanted, but don’t go anywhere

HOLDEN – A Glenburn man was arrested after some confusion about whether or not he had a warrant. He didn’t. But he was on probation.
Police were called to an apartment complex on High Street for the report of people riding on the hoods of cars. When officers arrived, they found a social gathering of young adults, none of whom knew anything about people riding on the hoods of cars. They spoke to a resident who told police that she didn’t want them to enter because she thought someone inside had a warrant.
They convinced her to bring out the man, who was identified as Robert Sinclair, 21, of Glenburn. Sinclair admitted to drinking at the party. Fortunately, he didn’t have any active warrants. Unfortunately, he was on probation with conditions not to consume alcohol. His probation officer authorized police to place a hold on Sinclair and he was placed under arrest. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail.

Area Wanted 3.17.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of March 15, 2010. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Jason Averill
Age: 30
Charge: Failure to appear, 6 warrants
Last known address: Unknown

Jay Irwin
Age: 45
Charge: Failure to appear, 4 warrants
Last known address: Unknown

See an error? Please direct your questions to 947-4585.

Area Wanted 3.10.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s
Office as of March 9, 2010. Please contact your local law
enforcement agency if you have information about the current
whereabouts of these individuals.

Tanya Wilcox
Age: 29
Charge: Failure to appear
Last known address: Levant

Albert Robertson
Age: 40
Charge: Failure to appear, 2 warrants
Last known address: Eddington

See an error? Please direct your questions to 947-4585.

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

MDEA and police free man held captive in motel

BREWER – Maine Drug Enforcement agents and Brewer Police rescued a man being held captive in a motel.
On Saturday, Feb. 27, Maine Drug Enforcement agents received information that a man was being held against his will in a Brewer motel. The victim was allowed to make phone calls in order to collect money that he owed for the cocaine he had received from the suspects holding him.
The suspects had allegedly taken his car keys and moved him from room to room throughout the motel. MDEA agents and the Brewer Police watched the motel as undercover MDEA agents communicated with the victim via text messages.
When the victim was left alone, police directed him to leave the motel and cross the street, where he was taken away by officers.
Police and MDEA agents then secured two rooms in the motel and arrested Terrence Garner, 32, of Bangor, for kidnapping, possession of Hydrocodone and trafficking in prison contraband; Adam Widgins, 32, of Bangor, for kidnapping, possession of Methadone and trafficking in prison contraband; and Sidney Wilcox, 20, of Bangor, for kidnapping and aggravated forgery.
Wilcox initially gave a false name, but agents later found her identification card while searching the rooms. The kidnapping charges were later emended to criminal restraint for the initial court appearances.

Police return wallet and most of contents to 80-year-old woman

OLD TOWN – Police were able to return a stolen wallet to a senior with most of the contents intact – including a majority of her social security money that had been inside.
On Feb. 3, an 80-year-old woman accidentally left her wallet, which contained all of her social security money for the month, at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Old Town. When she returned shortly thereafter it was gone. However, the Old Town Police Department, with the assistance of the Brewer Police Department and local television media, was able to locate the suspect seen taking the wallet in the surveillance video. Police arrested Cody Brassbridge, 21, of Frankfort, who had been in town buying snowmobile parts in Milford.
On March 3, Detective Tom Adams of the Old Town Police Department obtained information about where the wallet was discarded and located it in the median on interstate I-95. Brassbridge had reportedly overlooked the zipper-pouch on the back of the wallet which contained the majority of the cash.
Brassbridge was charged with theft of lost or misplaced property.
When she first realized the wallet was gone, the woman, who asked that her name not be used, was devastated.
“I felt like someone shot me,” she said. Here’s all my money, gone. I never thought I’d see it again.”
The woman was thrilled to be reunited with her lost property and highly praised both Det. Adams and Sgt. Travis Roy. Adams had returned to the median and located some additional items from the wallet, including photographs.
“They are two of the smartest most wonderful men in the world,” she said. “They went down and picked up what they could find. What gentlemen. I’ll never forget them.”

Itchy trigger finger

BANGOR – A man allegedly shot the BAT bus accidentally when he was showing off a firearm he intended to sell.
On March 3 around 4:22 p.m., Officers Jim Hassard and Chris Blanchard were in the area of State and Essex Street on an unrelated matter when a woman yelled to them from Pine and State Street . The woman, later identified as the driver of one of the City’s BAT buses, told officers that someone just shot her bus and that the suspect was running on foot.
Information was radioed quickly to responding units with a description of the suspect. Several witnesses that were on the bus were interviewed while officers searched the area. There were approximately 20 people riding the bus at the time of the shooting. A Maine State Police K-9 unit was in the area and assisted in searching for the suspect. He was not located at that time.
At approximately 5: 45 p.m., Maine State Police Troopers notified us that they had located and arrested Jason A. Robinson, 24, of Bangor, who was on a different BAT bus that was travelling outbound on Route 2 in Orono near the Kelly Road. Apparently, Robinson boarded the other bus near State and Hancock Streets and unbeknownst to him, a passenger who was on the same bus earlier when the gun was discharged, was also on that bus. The witness called from his cell phone while riding outbound on Route 2 and the bus was intercepted and stopped near the Kelly Road. Robinson was arrested without incident and remains at the Penobscot County Jail. He was charged with reckless conduct with a firearm (a class C felony) and carrying a concealed weapon. There was also an active warrant for Robinson for failure to appear.
Apparently, Robinson was showing someone on the bus the .357 handgun he was concealing in his coat and was going to eventually sell in Old Town when it accidentally went off. No one was injured.


On spring break? Forget to pack your pot plants?

ORONO – An Orono man will be returning to more than just his apartment after spring break.
On March 4, around 12:46 p.m., police were called to Orchard Trails apartments, building 11, after management had discovered contraband in the room. The management sends out notices about the inspection prior to break. When the maintenance person discovered damage on one of the armoires, he opened it and discovered two marijuana plants inside.
The plants had quite the set up, including a fan, a grow light and a timer, all covered by a tarp. Police seized the contraband.
Police have issued a summons for Christopher Bagley, 19, of Orono, for possession of a usable amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. It will be given to him when he is located.


Car burglaries

OLD TOWN – The Old Town Police Department is investigating a rash of 17 motor vehicle burglaries over the course of the weekend.
Anyone with information should call the Old Town Police Department at 827-3984.