Area Wanted 9.29.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of September 27, 2010. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Lance Ambrose

Age: 27

Charge: Failure to appear, 2 Warrants

Last known address: Unknown

Tyson Baron

Age: 25

Charge: Failure to appear, 3 Warrants

Last known address: Enfield

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

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Sorry, you will go without a fight

BREWER – A man told police he was looking for a fight and even offered to fight with one of the officers. He left disappointed.

On Sept. 21, around 2:56 p.m., Officer Jeff Gotreau and Corporal Levi Sewall responded to a North Main Street apartment house to remove a belligerent individual from the property. Daniel Mitchell, 44, no listed address, met Gotreau on the front steps. Mitchell told the officer that he wanted to fight and offered to fight Gotreau. The officer declined the offer and arrested Mitchell when he refused to leave the property. He was escorted to Penobscot County Jail.

One bail check, two arrested, lots of charges

EAST MACHIAS – Sometimes it does all add up. After conducting a bail check on one East Machias resident, two people ended up being arrested and four were summoned for various offenses.

On Sept. 20, Sgt. Jeffrey Ingemi, Tpr. Andrew Foss and Lt. Travis Willey of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted a bail check on Kenneth Davis, 26, in East Machias. Sgt. Ingemi arrested Davis for violation of bail conditions for consuming alcohol and additionally charged him for possession of drug paraphernalia. Ingemi also summoned a roommate, Chris Marie Burgos, 19, for possession of a usable amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and another roommate, Galen Bagley, 19, for possession of drug paraphernalia. Tpr. Foss arrested another roommate, Joseph Miller, 26, for violation of bail after he refused to take a drug test and was found to have consumed alcohol.

A series of unfortunate events

OLD TOWN – A man involved in a car accident became involved in several felony charges.

On Sept. 18, Old Town police officers responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles on Route 43, near the I-95 on ramp. A vehicle attempting to turn left onto the I-95 on ramp crossed in front of a vehicle being driven by Scott Steele, 37, of Greenbush, reportedly striking his car and forcing him off the road.

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital and may be charged with operating under the influence after the results of a blood kit, but that is just the beginning of the story.

While officers were investigating the crash, Steele was allowed to leave, and he requested his vehicle be towed back to his place of residence. When the wrecker arrived and began towing it back on to the road, a bag full of marijuana fell out. The wrecker driver informed police, who then searched the car, located 14 bags of marijuana, each weighing approximately half a pound and concealed inside military-style containers.

After consulting with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Officer James Slauenwhite was able to meet with Steele at the Old Town Police Department on Sept. 19, where he was subsequently arrested and charged with unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, a class C felony.

On Sept. 20, MDEA agents, Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and Old Town Police Officers went to his residence for a bail check. No one was at home and they wait and observe the house. Steele arrived, went inside and left, carrying a box. There was also a woman with him, later identified as Danielle McCarthy, 26, of Monroe.

Sgt. Scott Wilcox of the Orono Police Department stopped the vehicle on College Avenue in Old Town. Officer Derek Dinsmore deployed his narcotics-detecting K9, Caliber, around the vehicle, and the dog indicated that drugs were present. A search revealed five more bags of marijuana packaged similarly to the ones located previously.

Both Steele and Monroe were arrested and charged with unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs, a class C felony; Steele received the additional charge of violation of conditions of release.

No free rides

ORONO – Two women are facing charges for reportedly skipping out on their taxi fare.

On Sept. 25, around 11:59 p.m., Orono officers received a complaint that three people had fled from a taxi cab without paying their fare. The driver of the Old Town Taxi told officers that it was two women and a man and they had run into a nearby house.

When police arrived, the trio had fled the scene, but officers were able to locate two women, Katie Mills, 19, of Millinocket and Kalie Cyr, 19, of Madawaska, in the back yard and covered with dirt and other debris. Police determined that the young women were intoxicated.

Mills reportedly began yelling and swearing at the officers, and she was issued a disorderly conduct warning. When the behavior reportedly continued, she was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct and taken to Penobscot County Jail, where she also received a summons for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Cyr was charged with illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Lost and found

BANGOR – Bangor Police helped some hikers who found themselves lost in the City Forest.

On Sept. 21, around 8:45 p.m., Bangor Police received a call from a 26-year-old man stating that he and his 20-year-old girlfriend had become lost while hiking in the City Forest. They were uncertain of their exact location but able to give some idea based on their surroundings that they were near a power line. Officers Mike Jewett and Sgt. Bob Bishop responded to the area. Jewett used his personally-owned ATV, and Sgt. Bishop used the ATV of an off-duty police officer who lives on the outskirts of the City Forest.

Through several cell phone conversations with the complainant and the use of police car sirens from different road points, the officers were able to direct the two people to walk out to the power lines and then guided them to their general location. Officer Jewett reported that about 25 minutes later, the pair was able to find the officers.

Both subjects were transported back to their vehicle on Tripp Drive and were in good condition, not needing any medical attention.

The Bangor Police Department urges anyone using those trails to be very careful, especially later in the afternoon, making sure you stay on all marked trails and get to know the area before venturing too far out. That trail system is large and can be complicated. Always hike safely and carry basic survival items such as flashlights, water, coats and cell phones in the event of an emergency.

Thug breaks bird’s wing

BANGOR – A seagull had to be euthanized after an area man lured it with food before breaking its wing with a rock.

On Sept. 21, at about 1:30 p.m., Officer Jason Stuart responded to Pickering Square to the report of someone throwing rocks at seagulls. One of the birds was suffering with a broken wing. The seagull was reportedly scooped up by a bystander and placed in a cardboard box.

Several witnesses on scene told the officer that they observed a group of subjects in the park throwing potato chips at the birds, luring them in and then trying to kick them. One of the young men described as the “primary aggressor” was identified as Juan Puig, 21, of Brewer. Witnesses claimed he pelted one of the seagulls with a rock, breaking its wing.

Puig was summoned and released for cruelty to birds, with a recommendation by Officer Stuart to add or modify the charge to cruelty to animals. Puig has a court date of Nov. 3 at 8:30 a.m.

Puig was also served with a one-year criminal trespass order for Pickering Square.

Stuart called the game warden and described the injuries to the warden, which was mostly excessive bleeding. At the recommendation of the warden, Stuart euthanized the bird at a remote location.

Housing scam

BANGOR – The Quinn Agency has reported that they have received two listings recently that have been the subject of attempted fraudulent behavior by persons claiming to the owners. One particular property, located in Bangor, is listed with the Quinn Agency as being for sale, and has a sign on the property indicating such. They began receiving inquiries about the property as being for rent, as stated also on Craig’s List. The property was listed on Craig’s List as being for rent for just under $1000 per month. Quinn contacted Craig’s List and had it removed and advised them it was fraud. The listing indicated that the owners were working at a mission in West Africa and needed to rent their home. Once email contact was made by potential renters, the “owners” requested that rent be sent to them and they would in turn send the keys to the property. The property showed up last week on Adds in USA – same scam. Quinn has been inundated with calls about the property. However, it is not for rent. The fear is that people will actually send money to the scammers. This is not an uncommon scam.

People should not send money to someone unless they know them to be reliable, and should not attempt to rent a property that they have not seen. If a realtor’s sign is located on the property they should contact the realtor for information. Once someone sends money based on a fraud, the money will not likely be recovered, and many of these types of scams are difficult if not impossible to locate.

Man arrested for violating protection order

BREWER – On Sept. 22, around 4:23 p.m., Sgt. Pinette responded to North Main Street to investigate a protection order violation.

Toby Thurston, 50, no listed address, had allegedly violated a protection order by having contact with a Portland woman.

Sgt. Pinette determined that the allegations were valid, arrested Thurston for violation of a protection order and took him to Penobscot County Jail.

Two charged with sex offender registry violation

BANGOR – Police located and charged two people with failing to comply with the Sex Offender Registry Act.

On Sept. 13, Detective Eric Tall of the Bangor Police Department’s criminal investigations division tracked down Eric Hasenbank, 28, formerly of Alton, who reportedly hadn’t resided at 179 Indiana Avenue since at least June 2, 2010. He was summoned for failure to comply with Sex Offender Registry Act, a class D misdemeanor, first offense.

The next day, Tall also caught up with Wallace Moran, 65, of Bangor, who had not been residing at 179 Indiana Avenue since at least September 6, 2010. He was summoned for failure to comply with Sex Offender Registry Act, a class B felony, his third offense.

Hands-on learning: let me see your hands

VASSALBORO – When a subject is escorted to the ground it’s easy to see how their arms can end up underneath them. Unfortunately, if someone isn’t in a cooperative state of mind, that’s where they want them to stay. But in order for an officer to do her* job, she

has to be able to get the arms out from under the subject.

Throughout the demonstration, cadets are reminded to continue to use their voice commands to ensure that the suspect knows what it is that the cadet is expecting and has the dual effect of letting anyone else in the area hear what is going on.

The cadets also learned several new pressure points that can be used on around the face and head of an aggressive subject.

Dep. Arthur Smith was kind enough to demonstrate on me so I could have some idea of what these felt like. With minimal pressure, I found myself tapping quickly. In real life, it’s a way for officers to create space between themselves and a subject that has become violently resisitive.

Cadets also learned techniques to keep a painful handshake from causing too much harm.

Gunning for you

Having a gun pointed at you is probably one of the most disconcerting things that could happen, but the cadets needed to learn how to disarm an armed opponent quickly and effectively.

*In an effort not to be obnoxious by using “him/her” I am simply changing the pronoun for each entry. I used the male pronoun previously.

Hands-on learning: Low-down antics

(Having a subject go for one's legs calls for intense maneuvers)

VASSALBORO – As subjects get more aggressive so will the reaction from the officers of the law. After reviewing arm-bars and other takedowns, the cadets learned how to deal with several attacks from someone attempting to tackle them.

The first was called a sprawl, which is aimed at an actively hostile subject attempting a low tackle that would take the cadet around the knees. The cadet is instructed to kick their legs out and land with their weight on the offending subject.

They were also given pointers on how to free themselves from clinging arms if the sprawl didn’t do the whole trick.

When someone comes at the cadet at hip-level, they use the low angel against them and lever the subject to the ground using that person’s arm and head.

(Deputy Arthur Smith demonstrates how to deal with a low-angle attack)

From there they continued to practice gaining compliance through the use of more new pressure points.

Sgt. Joe Poirier of the Maine State Police demonstrated quite accurately how the holds worked even on subjects much larger than one’s self.

(One doesn't need to exert a lot of force to gain control.)

Area Wanted 9.22.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of September 20, 2010. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Patrick Reardon

Age: 23

Charge: Failure to appear, 2 Warrants

Last known address: Bangor

Wade Wilson

Age: 32

Charge: Failure to appear, 2 Warrants

Last known address: Hermon

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

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Green means go

OLD TOWN – Stopping at a green light can catch an officer’s attention, as a Winterport woman found.

On Sept. 18, around 1:50 a.m., Officer Josh Loring observed a vehicle in the downtown area pull up in front of The Dime. A woman went to the passenger-side door and was talking to the driver. When she appeared to notice the police officer, she left.

The vehicle stopped at a green light, signaled, and took a right turn. Loring stopped the car on Center Street near the post office. He spoke to the driver, Robyn Deslauriers, 29, of Winterport, who reportedly admitted to having consumed some alcohol, according to police.

The officer administered field sobriety tests and Deslauriers did not pass to the officer’s satisfaction. She was placed under arrest for operating under the influence and taken to the Old Town Police Department for an Intoxilyzer test. The breath alcohol results were 0.16 percent. Deslauriers was taken to Penobscot County Jail.

Alert caller nets drunk driver

ORONO – A Portland man was arrested for OUI last weekend.

Police received the report of an erratic vehicle on Sept. 11 around 12:51 a.m. The caller told dispatch that the car was swerving all over the road. Officer Stephen Marko and Sgt. Scott Lajoie were able to locate the vehicle near the Rangely Road and stop it.

After field sobriety tests, Cassidy Smith, 20, of Portland, was arrested for operating under the influence and taken to Penobscot County Jail.

Alleged burglars foiled

OLD TOWN – An alert officer may have prevented further car burglaries in Old Town over the weekend.

On Sept. 18, around 1:05 a.m., Officer Ryan Fitch saw two men, one wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and a black winter hat and carrying a backpack on Main Street. Due to the high level of car break-ins, he stopped to talk to the man, who was identified as Andrew Grindle, 18, of Old Town. As he was speaking to Grindle, Fitch noted signs of intoxication. The officer noted that Grindle shouldn’t be drinking due to his age and the fact that he was out on probation.

The officer obtained consent to search the backpack and found a screwdriver, a pry bar and an illegal knife amongst other items.

Grindle was arrested and his probation officer also issued a probation hold. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with possession of burglar’s tools, trafficking in dangerous knives and illegal possession of alcohol by a minor by consumption.

Tag, you’re it

ORONO – A graffiti artist was reportedly caught red handed last week, when police caught him paint-in-hand.

On Sept. 13, police received information that a man and a woman were at the old mill off of Shore Ave. spraying graffiti.

Officer Jason Zalva arrived and saw a bicycle in the area and could smell fresh paint. As he went around the building he saw a man, later identified as James Fox, 24, of Hampden, holding a can of paint in front of a freshly-painted wall.

Fox was placed under arrest. Zalva located paint, gloves and other tools along with a brass marijuana pipe. Fox was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with criminal mischief and sale and use of drug paraphernalia.

Man steals food stamp card

ORONO – An Orono man is facing several charges in relation to stealing another person’s food stamp card.

On Sept. 13, around 10:05 a.m., a person called dispatch and claimed someone had stolen his food stamp card and that it had been subsequently used at several locations.

As a result of the investigation, police learned that Lewis Moores, 56, of Orono, had spent approximately $95 on the card. He was charged with theft and ordered not to have contact with the complainant.

Around 7:27 p.m., the original caller again contacted authorities after Moores returned to his apartment and allegedly proceeded to yell at the victim.

He was placed under arrest and taken to Penobscot County Jail, where he was also charged with tampering with a witness.

Hands-on learning: Would you like an escort to the ground?

This is an ongoing blog where I am following the 19th BLETP's MARCs class. You can find the first entry by clicking here.

From Sept. 8*

VASSALBORO – Handcuffing is all well and good when the cadets are working with someone who is compliant, but it’s just as important (if not more so) that they know how to handle someone who isn’t interested in helping the process along.

There are different types of non-compliance that can range from simply not doing what the officer tells the subject to do to fighting. Much of this covered the former.

Instructors covered how to apply certain wrist-locks, which engage pressure points to get the person to place his hand behind his back and then get up without having to use brute force.

The instructors also how to properly search a handcuffed person to ensure officer safety and all the while staying alert.

As important as handcuffing is, removing them is just as important and can be, in some cases, risky. This covered everything from giving clear instructions to the subject to advising them of what would happen if they didn’t comply.

The importance of being able to do these procedure is important, as it’s something that cadets will have to do on a regular basis as law enforcement officers.

“There is more of a chance [the cadets] will go hands-on [with a subject] than ever have to draw their guns,” said Donaldson Boord of the Maine Marine Patrol.

Now it’s time for a take down

(Dep. Arthur Smith demonstrates an arm bar)

Up until this point most of the handcuffing procedures were done on relatively compliant subjects. The instructors began more give demonstrations of how to escort a resistive subject to the ground. This applied mostly to someone approaching the officers in an aggressive manner. The cadets would then use arm bars or a rear take-down (grabbing them by the shoulders) maneuver to land the subject on the ground.

Once the subject was on the ground they were shown how to handcuff them or flip them over so they could be handcuffed.

Again, certain wrist-locks and pressure points were engaged to gain compliance, as only a small amount of pressure can encourage someone to comply whether they want to or not.

After learning the techniques, the cadets were split into five lines and they each had to race putting fellow cadets in handcuffs as quickly as possible. The caveat was if they didn’t handcuff them properly, they had to uncuff that person and do it over again.

(Having been handcuffed, cadets encourage their teammates)

*Due to annoying illnesses and my real job, I'm a little behind. I should have both Sept. 20 and 22 up by Monday.

Over 3,400 sites join DEA Nationwide Effort to Take-Back Prescription Drugs On Sept . 25

Courtesy of DEA Public Affairs and Sgt. Michael Hashey of the Old Town Police Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Less than a month into the Drug Enforcement Administration’s prescription drug “Take-Back” campaign, over 3,400 sites nationwide have joined the effort that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. Government, community, public health and law enforcement partners will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at these sites all across the nation o n Saturday, September 25 th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov. This site is continuously updated with new take-back locations. In addition, interested media can now go to: www.nationaltakebackday.com to download a public service announcement about the initiative.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

“The National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign will provide a safe way for Americans to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs,” said Michele M. Leonhart, Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This effort symbolizes DEA’s commitment to halting the disturbing rise in addiction caused by their misuse and abuse. Working together with our state and local partners, the medical community, anti-drug coalitions, and a concerned public, we will eliminate a major source of abused prescription drugs, and reduce the hazard they pose to our families and communities in a safe, legal, and environmentally sound way.”

“With this National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, we are aggressively reaching out to individuals to encourage them to rid their households of unused prescription drugs that pose a safety hazard and can contribute to prescription drug abuse,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler. “The Department of Justice is committed to doing everything we can to make our communities safer, and this initiative represents a new front in our efforts.”

“Prescription drug abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, and take-back events like this one are an indispensable tool for reducing the threat that the diversion and abuse of these drugs pose to public health,” said Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske. “The Federal, state and local collaboration represented in this initiative is key in our national efforts to reduce pharmaceutical drug diversion and abuse.”

Other participants in this initiative include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Association of Attorneys General; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; the Federation of State Medical Boards; and the National District Attorneys Association.

Police are attempting to locate a missing woman

BANGOR - The Bangor Police Department is requesting assistance in locating a missing person. Jestina Cain, 33, of Bangor, was last seen at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Ms. Cain is described as 5-foot, 3-inches tall, 122 pounds., with light brown shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. She is believed to be operating a black 2008 Ford Escape SUV-type vehicle, Maine Firefighter plate 8302, which does not belong to her.

Bangor Police would like to locate her and check her well being. If someone has information that would assist in locating Ms. Cain, please call the Bangor Police Department Tip Line at 947-7384, extension 6.

Police note that this is not an abduction case, they want to locate her and check on her well being.

Area Wanted 0.15.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of September 14, 2010. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Damon Williams

Age: 40

Charge: Failure to appear, 1 Warrant

Last known address: Unknown

Paul St. Onge

Age: 39

Charge: Failure to appear, 3 Warrants

Last known address: Unknown

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

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Downtown Bangor hit by vandals

BANGOR – Over the weekend, vandals caused several hundred dollars of damage at various locations around downtown Bangor, according to police.

Calls started coming in after midnight on Sept. 12 starting with the cruise ship “Patience,” located just behind the Sea Dog, being untied from the dock and several items, including life jackets and life rings, thrown into the Penobscot River. Another boat owner saw that something was amiss when he saw the large vessel start to float away. It was quickly brought under control.

Damage was also reported at Aubochon Hardware on Exchange Street, where it was that more than $1,000 damage was done to inventory outside the back of the store. Several bags of peat moss, wood pellets, mulch and various gardening accessories were cut open and strewn all over the parking lot.

The operating arm to the new courthouse parking lot was broken off, and at least two downtown banks reported their flowers were ripped from the pots and destroyed, along with the destruction of two smoking chimneys (the plastic devices used to throw cigarette butts into).

Police are actively reviewing video and evidence from these crime scenes and once again urge the public to be vigilant and call authorities immediately when they see any suspicious behavior.

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is urged to call the Bangor Police Department at 947-7382. If you wish to remain anonymous, use the tip line by dialing the number and pressing 6.

Maine chainsaw weirdness

BREWER – A man brought a chainsaw to a fight and ended up going to jail.

On Sept. 5, around 8:30 p.m., Officer Rodney Gerald responded to the report of a man chasing people with a chainsaw.

When the officer arrived, he spoke with Matthew Herrick, 26, of Brewer, who no longer had the chainsaw. Police learned that Herrick had been in a fight previously and had used the chainsaw to scare people off. He had put the chainsaw in the basement before police arrived. Police learned he had also struck is girlfriend during the fight.

He was arrested, taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with domestic assault and aggravated reckless conduct.

A shot in the dark

OLD TOWN – A person in Old Town received a rude awakening when the resident below him shot a hole through his floor while he was sleeping.

On Sept. 12, police responded to a Lincoln Street residence, where the complainant told the officers that he woke up to the sound of a gunshot.

When police spoke with Walter McCulley, 28, of Old Town, who lived in the downstairs apartment, they could smell gunpowder. He told the officers that the gun had gone off accidentally. He was issued a summons for reckless conduct.

Uh-oh, better get bail money

BREWER – Alert witnesses helped police find a man who had vandalized a car in Brewer.

On Sept. 6, around 11:49 p.m., Cpl. Levi Sewall responded to a criminal mischief complaint where witnesses had seen a small, dark sedan pull up by a blue Chevy and spray a chemical on the car. The owner of the car told the officer that a former employer and her boyfriend may have been involved in the incident. While Sewall was speaking with witnesses, Officers Jeff Gotreau and Daniel Costain located the vehicle in question on Blake Street. They spoke to the occupants, including Gerald Beatty, 45, of Brewer.

Witnesses were able to confirm that Beatty had sprayed the car with what was later determined to be toilet bowl cleaner with the alleged knowledge that it would damage the vehicle’s paint.

Beatty was arrested, taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with criminal mischief and operating under the influence.

Stay off my lawn!

BREWER – A Brewer man was arrested for OUI after allegedly driving over someone’s lawn.

On Sept. 3, around 12:22 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office advised dispatch that a black Jeep had driven over someone’s lawn, causing damage in Orrington. Officer Amy Nickerson located the vehicle pulling onto South Main Street from Elm Street and pulled behind it as it pulled into a driveway.

The driver, Michael Allan, 36, of Brewer, reportedly admitted to driving over the lawn. Nickerson noted signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, and Allan appeared unsteady on his feet. She administered field sobriety tests and Allan was not able to pass them to the officer’s satisfaction. During a search, the officer located a glass marijuana pipe, a baggie of marijuana and a pill bottle containing two “roaches.” He was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with operating under the influence, possession of usable amount of marijuana and sale and use of drug paraphernalia.

So loud, so young

ORONO – A noise complaint led to several party-goers facing charges.

On Sept. 9, around 12:03 a.m., police were called to an Orchard Trails apartment for an excessive noise complaint. When they arrived, officers could hear loud music and raised voices.

Officers spoke to the tenants, Kayla Cyr, 19; Katie Mills, 19; and Kristine Dyer, 19, all of Orono, and learned that people were consuming alcohol and there was alcohol in the residence. Two other under-aged men were also drinking and identified as Brett Baker, 19, and Joseph Voisine, 19, both of Millinocket.

All five were charged with illegal possession of liquor by a minor and Cyr, Dyer and Mills were also charged with furnishing a place for minors to possess or consume alcohol. Later dispatch advised officers that Dyer had bail conditions not to possess or consume alcohol stemming from a operating under the influence arrest. Officers returned, placed Dyer under arrest and escorted her to Penobscot County Jail.

This isn’t Mills'* first run-in with police. Earlier, on Sept. 6, around 12:18 a.m., employees at the Roost called Orono Police to report that a woman had presented a false identification. The employees had confiscated the license.

Officers located the woman near Pat’s Pizza. She was identified as Mills and charged with illegal possession of liquor by a minor by consumption and possession of a false identification card.

Crash and run … on foot

LAMOINE – An area man reportedly crashed his car and then fled on foot before police arrived.

On Sept. 6, Tpr. Greg Mitchell responded to Lamoine for a property damage crash. Prior to Tpr. Mitchell’s arrival, the operator fled the scene on foot. The operator was identified as Christopher Huggins, 30, of Bucksport.

Tpr. Jessica Shorey arrived on the scene and conducted a 5.2 mile track from the scene (6 Lamoine Beach Road) to the Lamoine State Park. Once inside the park, the track dissipated due to the volume of people and dogs.

Tpr. Mitchell located Huggins later that day, arrested him on a probation hold and charged him with leaving the scene of a crash.

The joy of Pepsi and stealing. Mostly stealing

HANCOCK – Police learned that an item that was reported stolen was, in more ways than one.

Tpr. Christopher Smith responded to 1210 US Highway 1 in Hancock for the theft of a Pepsi refrigerator from a residence.

Investigation revealed that the Pepsi Corporation confiscated the refrigerator after determining that it was stolen property. The refrigerator was leased to a business in Winter Harbor and was never returned after the business closed.

Tpr. Smith spoke with a representative from the Pepsi Corporation and encouraged the company to notify area law enforcement before they arrive to collect items.

Born free

ORONO – Police were able to reunite pet owners with their lost bird.

On Sept. 8, police learned that a parrot had escaped its cage in Glenburn and was last seen flying in the direction of Orono. A woman staying at the campground near Pushaw Lake became aware of the parrot when it was heard making a barking noise at small dogs in the area.

A man had since captured the bird and was keeping it in his trailer. Police convinced him to hand the bird over to them and they were able to unite it with its rightful owners.

Police say the bird was valued at around $2,000.

* Edited to change Dyer's name from Mills. It ran correctly in the print version, but I neglected to change it for this version. Thank you to an alert commenter.

Hands-on learning: Put your hands behind your back

From Sept. 1

This is an ongoing story as I shadow the 19th BLETP class during their MARCs training. You can start here.

VASSALBORO – Most of us have routines in our lives – get up, get dressed, get going. Once you’re at work there are more routines. In police work, often time that involves handcuffing. The instructors went over how to hold the handcuffs, how to carry them, and how to ensure that they go on as quickly and easily as possible.

Differences come into play when handcuffing a subject and will vary depending on whether that person is being compliant (following the officer’s every order) or being non-compliant (this is a range between just not following orders to actively struggling and fighting).

First Tpr. Scott Hamilton and the other instructors went over what orders to issue and how to say them to avoid confusing the subject being arrested.

Almost as important as putting handcuffs on is taking them off. Cadets were told to give clear instructions that explained what they planed to do (remove a handcuff) and what they wanted the subject to do (place that hand on their head and look away).

They also practiced how to manipulate people to get them on their feet and lead them away using wrist locks and arm bar techniques.

Area Wanted 9.8.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of September 7, 2010. Please contact your local lawenforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Tessa Lane

Age: 23

Charge: Failure to appear, 5 Warrants

Last known address: East Millinocket

Daniel Watson

Age: 30

Charge: Failure to appear, 3 Warrants

Last known address: Brewer

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

Orono Festival Day traffic and parking

ORONO - The Orono Police Department announced that that the Town will be celebrating Orono Festival Days on Sept. 11. This will be a busy day in town. There is a road race scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m. and Mill Street will be closed from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. for vendors and entertainment. Be aware that parking will be restricted in certain areas downtown. If you have plans to travel to Orono on Saturday, police ask that you be patient.

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Crossing the street: you’re doing it wrong

BREWER – A man who brought traffic to a sudden halt ended up in jail after he allegedly took a swing at the officer who checked to see if he was OK.

Officer Jeff Gotreau was behind two vehicles on South Main Street when a man who was on the side of the road stepped out into oncoming traffic. The car, truck and police cruiser all came to a stop without incident and Gotreau went to see if the pedestrian was all right.

He spoke with John Kossowan, 57, of Brewer, who told the officer he hadn’t been hit and was trying to get to his house across the street.

While running a records check through Penobscot Regional Communications Center, the dispatcher informed Gotreau that Kossowan was known to be assaultive towards police. Cpl. Levi Sewall then arrived on scene, and Kossowan reportedly swung a punch at Gotreau. The officer avoided the swing. Kossowan was taken to the ground, handcuffed and escorted to Penobscot County Jail. He was charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction of a public way and refusing to submit to arrest or detention (misdemeanors); he was further charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, a class C felony.

Kossowan reportedly became assaultive with jail staff as well.

Time to steam the carpet

ORONO – A drunk man reportedly urinated inside another residence, instigating the owners to call the authorities.

Orono Police were called to a residence on College Avenue on Aug. 28 around 4:15 a.m. When police arrived, they were met by the homeowner and another resident, who told them that David Bryant, 18, of Mansfield, Mass. and a student at the University of Maine, was not welcome in their home and had urinated on the rug inside.

Police noted that Bryant appeared heavily intoxicated and they had difficulty understanding what he said. He was transported to the hospital due to his level of intoxication and was also charged with criminal mischief and illegal possession of liquor by a minor by consumption.

License check nets Aroostook warrant

ORONO – Checking license plates is something done routinely by police – this is why.

On Aug. 31 around 11 a.m., Captain Josh Ewing was on patrol when a motorcycle with a driver and passenger caught his attention. When he saw it a second time driving into the high school parking lot, he ran the plate. Dispatch informed him that the registered owner had an active warrant out of Aroostook County.

The motorcycle was still parked in front of the school, but the driver and passenger were nowhere to be found. When it remained there the next day, school officials told police that they didn’t want it on the property since school was starting soon. It was towed.

Detective Andrew Whitehouse was able to contact the owner, Daniel Harnden, 32, of Orono, and advised him to turn himself in at the police station. At 6 p.m. on Sept. 1, he did so and was arrested on the warrant and charged with criminal trespass by motor vehicle. He was also cited for having no inspection sticker and no proof of insurance and operating an unregistered motor vehicle less than 150 days.

Hands on Learning: beyond polite conversation

Events took place Aug. 30, 2010

This is an ongoing blog as I shadow the 19th BLETP class through their MARCs training. To see the first post click here.

VASSALBORO – When there’s trouble, police need to be able to take control of the situation. Engaging with subjects is never black and white and no situation is ever the same. So how does one train for every situation? You get as close as you can.

The instructors on Aug. 30 gave the cadets a taste of different scenarios they may encounter on the street. This was to illustrate the need for the cadets to become familiar with their equipment so they would know where to reach for their handcuffs, their pepper spray, and defend their weapon if the need arose.

It’s easy for anyone to know what to do if someone has their fists up and want to fight or obey your every command. But that isn’t how all or even most situations play out.

Cadets would volunteer to engage with an instructor ( Tpr. Scott Hamilton of the Maine State Police, Justin Ames of the Maine Marine Patrol, Cpl Robert Burke of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Shawn Carll of the Auburn Police Department, Deputy Arthur Smith of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office) who was playing someone that was wanted on an active warrant for unpaid fines. Sometimes they would be verbally aggressive but compliant, other times they’d be outwardly nice but wouldn’t comply with orders; would start out aggressive and then become compliant, etc. After each scenario the cadets and instructors would deconstruct what had happened and go over what was done well, what could be improved and other options that are available to the officer.

It also illustrates how as officers the cadets will have to escalate and then de-escalate their level of force depending on how the person reacts.

Tpr. Scott Hamilton pointed out that no matter how a person behaves during arrest the goal is the same: get them handcuffed and take them to jail. A compliant person will make the job easier, but doesn’t change it.

Hands-on learning

(Photo by Katy England)

Mechanics of arrest, restraint and control at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy

VASSALBORO – New police officers must attend the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) within one year of becoming a full-time officer. I’ve been invited to follow the 19th BLETP class as they attend their Mechanics of Arrest Restraint and Control (MARC) held on Mondays and Wednesdays for 18 weeks as they train to become law enforcement officers.

The cadets are from all over the state, from various municipalities, country agencies, and even tuition students who are paying their own way through the program.

MARCs, also referred to as Defensive Tactics is headed up by Trooper Scott Hamilton, a third degree black belt in karate and lead instructor for DT for approximately 10 years and a trooper out of Troop E in Orono. He’s instructed every BLETP class since the academy blended police agencies. Assisting Hamilton was Deputy Arthur Smith of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office and Cpl. Robert Burke of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.

The first half of the class took place in a BLETP classroom on Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. and the instructors were introduced and the class likewise introduced themselves and explained why they were pursing careers in law enforcement and what martial arts experience they had.

Hamilton explained that the cadets would be learning the basics of defensive tactics.

“You’re going to get 18 weeks of the basics and then you have to keep learning,” he said. “At the end of the 18 weeks you’ll know what you can do and not wonder ‘what can I do.’”

He reviewed the different levels of force, beginning with officer presence – the very presence of a uniformed officer is a level of force; verbal commands; hands on; less than lethal tools; all the way up to deadly force. The instructors also addressed how to assess and recognize a threat level, establishing a command presence and more.

But as with any tool there is a chance that they will not work properly and Hamilton said that when that happens it shouldn’t come as a surprise to the officer.

“Be surprised when your tools work, not when they don’t work,” he said. “When I Tase [a subject] and it doesn’t work it shouldn’t be a shock.”

Once in the Tactical Center, cadets started on the basics of how to deal with a non-compliant subject. Just some simple moves to keep the cadet out of harm’s way while still positioning themselves to be in control of the subject.

I will continue to update Maine Blues as the class continues.

Bridge death ruled a homicide

BANGOR - The unidentified man who was found unconscious beneath the bridge by Union Street on Aug. 29, died around 11:20 p.m. on Sept. 1.

The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be blunt force head trauma and police are now investigating the incident as a homicide.

Anyone with information should call the Bangor Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, or if you wish to remain anonymous call the Tip Line at 947-7382, extension 6.

Union St. Bridge victim succumbs to injuries

BANGOR – The victim of an incident that occurred under the Union Street Bridge on Aug. 29 died at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Sept. 1. Police are asking for the public to come forward with any information about this incident.

The victim has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. As is the case in all unattended deaths, the Medical Examiner’s Office is the lead investigating agency. Upon receiving the results of their investigation, the Bangor Police Department and the Medical Examiner’s office will continue to work together investigating this incident. The Bangor Police Department is not yet releasing the victim’s name.

Anyone with information or any witnesses to this incident are urged to call the Bangor Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, or if you wish to remain anonymous, please call our Tip Line at 947-7382, extension 6.

Area Wanted 9.01.2010

The following people have active warrants with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office as of August 30, 2010. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you have information about the current whereabouts of these individuals.

Wesley Proctor

Age: 45

Charge: Failure to appear, 2 Warrants

Last known address: Unknown

Aaron Dunn

Age: 31

Charge: Failure to appear, 3 Warrants

Last known address: Unknown

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

The Maine Edge Criminal Mischief

Teen filmed stealing charity jar

ORONO – Some things are just not done in polite society. Stealing the jar that is raising money for muscular dystrophy is one them – and that’s what a teen allegedly did last week.

On Aug. 25, around 3:37, employees called police reporting a theft in process. They informed officers that they believed a young man had stolen from the store and that they had it on video. When officers arrived, the manager pointed them down Island Avenue. A motorist informed police that he had seen the teens get into a vehicle and gave them a description of the car.

Officers found the car and stopped it. Two 17-year-olds and one 15-year-old were in the car with a female driver. There was cash and loose change in the vehicle but they denied it was from the jar. Police reviewed the video, which showed one of the teens grabbing the jar and leaving the store with it, according to police. The jar was found discarded behind some propane tanks outside of the store.

A search of the vehicle revealed three knives, a marijuana pipe and brass knuckles. When asked about the brass knuckles, the 15-year-old teen reportedly said he thought it was a paperweight. When he was informed that it was in fact a weapon he replied, “F—k you.” He was issued a disorderly conduct warning.

Once it was determined that the youth had stolen the jar from the surveillance video, he was informed he was under arrest. He allegedly became belligerent and fought with the officers. He was placed under arrest and taken back to the Orono Police Department, where he was later picked up by his mother. He was charged with theft, disorderly conduct, failure to submit to arrest or detention and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Old Town OUI checkpoint highlight reel

OLD TOWN – The Old Town Police Department arrested several drunk drivers during an OUI checkpoint on Aug. 27 to 28.

Around 12:54 a.m., a van that was travelling fast had to brake excessively to avoid striking other vehicles or people in the checkpoint. Officers spoke to the driver, who was identified as Laura Butler, 30, of Blue Hill, and noted that there was an open 12-ounce bottle of Bud Lite in the cup holder and a fifth of vodka in the vehicle. She told police that she had consumed two beers. Officers noted that her speech was slurred and her eyes were glassy. They could detect the odor of alcohol in the van.

When Butler was exiting the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests she stumbled and said “my brother is going to kill me,” explaining that her sibling was a police officer in Connecticut. She did not pass the field sobriety tests to the officer’s satisfaction. She was taken to the Old Town Police Department for an Intoxilyzer test and her breath alcohol content was found to be 0.19 percent. She was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with operating under the influence and possession of an open container on a public way.

Around 1:26, officers stopped Mallory McPartland, 22, of Old Town, who appeared intoxicated. She did not pass the field sobriety tests to the officer’s satisfaction and was placed under arrest. An Intoxilyzer test showed her breath alcohol to be 0.08 percent.

Daniel Sherman, 20, of the University of Maine, was also arrested for OUI during the checkpoint, but the police report is pending.

Ludicrous speed

PLYMOUTH – A trooper stopped two separate vehicles reportedly traveling at ungodly speeds on Interstate 95 in Plymouth.

On Aug. 23, Michael Mushillo, 28, allegedly passed Tpr. Scott Hamilton as he was traveling north on I95. He was arrested and charged with criminal speed.

Then on Aug. 29, Daniel Belmont, 20, of Medway was clocked at 104 miles per hour whilst traveling south. He was also arrested and charged with criminal speed.

Underage and under the influence

OLD TOWN – With college back in session, more underage kids are being picked up for alcohol offenses, but police are concerned with the amount of consumption that appears to be happening so early in the year.

On Aug. 28, around 1:40 a.m., Officer Lee Miller was on patrol on Stillwater Avenue. He saw a vehicle in the left turn lane that appeared to be about to turn left into McDonalds, but it then turned right, crossing two lanes of traffic onto College Avenue. The vehicle then traveled at speeds up to 42 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. As Miller prepared to stop the car, the vehicle then jammed on its brakes. He activated his lights and stopped the vehicle.

The officer spoke to the driver, Sydney Aho-Tran, 19, of Lincolnville and a student at the University of Maine. Miller noted that her eyes were bloodshot and her speech was slurred; he could also detect the odor of alcohol.

He administered the field sobriety test and during the walk and turn noted that Aho-Tran missed walking heel to toe on nearly every step in both directions.

She was placed under arrest for operating under the influence and taken back to the Old Town Police Station for an Intoxilyzer test which showed her breath alcohol level to be 0.12 percent. She was taken to Penobscot County Jail.

On Aug. 29, around 2:15 a.m., police stopped Cody Jacques, 19, of the University of Maine, after police clocked him traveling between 55 and 60 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone and swerving over the center line.

The officer noted several signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and the smell of alcohol. Jacques initially denied drinking, but later told police he had two beers, later still three drinks, and finally stated he had four drinks, according to police.

He was unable to complete the field sobriety tests to the officer’s satisfaction and was placed under arrest. During the one leg stand, the officer had to stop the test to ensure Jacques wouldn’t fall down.

Jacques was taken back to the Old Town Police Station for an Intoxilyzer test that showed his breath alcohol level to be 0.20 percent, well over twice the legal limit. He was taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with operating under the influence.

“It’s not just the number of 21-year-olds and under – it’s the level of intoxication,” said Sgt. Travis Roy. “We’re seeing a lot of very high levels. They are not making good choices.”