September 2021

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

Twelve Maine roadways from Aroostook to York County will soon be dedicated to Maine State Troopers who have died in the line of duty.  

“Our hope is the dedication of these road segments and the memorial markers will serve as reminders to honor our fallen heroes who gave everything they had in service to others.” said Maine State Police Colonel John Cote. “These markers are part of the commitment to our fallen and their surviving families that as an agency and a state, we will never forget their sacrifice.” 

Back in June Governor Janet Mills signed into a law a bill that would dedicate one mile of Maine’s secondary roadways to each trooper who dies or has died in the line of duty. “With the signing of this bill into law, we’re paying our respects to the 12 Maine State Troopers we’ve lost in the 100 years of the force’s existence, and to any troopers we may sadly lose in the future,” said Senator Bill Diamond, the bill’s sponsor. “Recognizing these fallen heroes on the roads they patrolled and in the communities they served is such a meaningful statement.  

The dedicated roadways will be marked with memorial signs in both directions of the roadway and will be located as close as possible to the patrol area of the fallen officer. 

On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, two of the 12 families will unveil their fallen Trooper’s sign. 
At 10:00 a.m. family members of Trooper James Drew Griffith will unveil his sign in Thomaston. Trooper Griffith was killed on April 15, 1996, when a vehicle struck his cruiser as Griffin was attempting to make a U-turn to pursue a speeding car in Warren. The memorial signs will be placed on Route 1 beginning at the intersection with Dexter St. and extending south one mile.

At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, the family of Trooper Charles Black will unveil his sign in York. Trooper Black was shot to death on July 9, 1964 outside the Maine National Bank in South Berwick during an armed robbery. The memorial signs will be placed on Route one beginning at the intersection of Animal Park Rd and extending north on Route 1 one mile.
 

On 09/06/2021, Cpl. Cote stopped Olyvia Heald (19) of Gray on the ME Turnpike southbound in Auburn.  She was charged with Criminal Speed for traveling 101 MPH in the posted 70 MPH zone.

On 09/06/2021, Cpl. Cote stopped Ashlie Philbrick (21) of Newport on the ME Turnpike northbound in Auburn.  Both her ME license and registration were suspended.  She was charged with Operating after Suspension and Possession of a Suspended License.  Her vehicle was towed.  

On 09/07/2021, Cpl. Cote stopped Serita McKeen (42) of Gray on the ME Turnpike southbound in Gray.  She was charged with Criminal Speed for traveling 105 MPH in the posted 70 MPH zone. 

On 09/08/2021, Tr. Ellis stopped Derek Marcotte (21) of Lisbon on the ME Turnpike for speeding northbound in Kennebunk.  His ME driver’s license was found to be suspended. He was charged with Operating After Suspension. 

On 09/08/2021, Tr. Keim stopped Lonnell Diggs of Oakland, CA and Livermore, ME for traveling 103 MPH in a posted 70 MPH zone.  Diggs was also charged with operating without a license.

On 09/08/2021, Cpl. Cote stopped Catherine Okeny (38) of South Portland on the ME Turnpike northound in Auburn.  Her ME driver’s license was found to be suspended.  She was charged with Operating After Suspension.  Her vehicle was towed.

On 09/09/2021, Tr. Keim arrested Melissa Dube (43) of Raymond for operating under the influence of alcohol. 

On 09/10/2021, Tr. LiBritz responded to a tractor trailer truck into the guardrails near mile 33 in Biddeford. When units arrived on scene, it was determined the tractor trailer truck was traveling southbound when the unit hydroplaned. Lanes 1 and 2 were blocked north and southbound and there was extensive guardrail damage. Tr. Davis, Tr. Parks and Sgt. Duda responded to assist and shut down the lanes until Pike set up lane closures in both directions. There was no injury and a crash report was completed.

On 09/10/2021, Sgt. Duda stopped Connor Lamour (20) for speeding at 101 MPH in a 70 MPH speed zone northbound in Scarborough. He was summonsed for speed.

On 09/11/2021, Cpl. Physic arrested Melissa Beaulieu for OUI.  Sgt. Duda assisted.

On 09/12/2021, Tr. Keim stopped a 17-year-old male of Gardiner for traveling 111 MPH in a posted 70 MPH zone.  His father was also contacted.

On 09/13/2021, Tr. Ellis stopped John Cromett (52) of Cape Neddick on the ME Turnpike for speeding northbound in Arundel.  His ME driver’s license was found to be suspended. He was charged with Operating after Suspension. 

UPDATE: Located Safely. Thank you.

The Windham Police Department has issued a Silver Alert for 59-year-old Renee Roach of Windham. Renee was last seen in the front yard of her home at 21 Ice House Rd. in Windham at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.  Renee is a white female, 5’03, 120 lbs. with red hair and hazel eyes. Renee who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s wears glasses and was last seen wearing a plum colored sleeveless shirt, an orange sports bra and grey workout pants. 
A K-9 track is currently underway to attempt to locate Renee. 

Anyone who sees Renee Roach or has information should call 911 or the Windham Police Department at 207.893.2810 Ext. 2
 

Incident Type:         PURSUIT

Date:                          9/17/2021

Town:                        T8 R5 WELS

Trooper:                   CPL. QUINT/TR. RIDER

Brief Synopsis:       Cpl. Quint was conducting traffic enforcement on State Route 11, T8 R5, and observed a vehicle speeding.  When he went to stop the car, it immediately accelerated to speeds over 100 mph.  Tr. Quint pursued the vehicle into Masardis where he terminated the chase.  With the assistance of Ashland PD, the offender vehicle was observed turning onto State Road heading towards Presque Isle.  Tr. Rider and Tr. Kilcollins positioned themselves to intercept the vehicle along with Washburn PD.  Washburn PD was able to deploy their spike mat deflating the rear tire of the vehicle.  Tr. Rider began pursuing the vehicle which eventually stopped in a private driveway.  The driver tried to run but was immediately apprehended by Tr. Rider.  The man was on bail (times 2), had a revoked driver’s license, and was recently released from the state prison.  He was arrested on multiple felony charges and transported to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.  Caribou PD had a pursuit the previous night and was not able to stop the suspect vehicle.  There was a female, the offender’s girlfriend, in the car screaming for him to stop during the chase. 

 

Incident Type:         warrant

Date:                          9/17/2021

Town:                        mapleton

Trooper:                   TR. RIDER

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Rider was patrolling in Mapleton and observed a man which he is familiar and suspected there were warrants for his arrest.  Tr. Rider asked the dispatch to conduct a METRO query on the man and found there were three sealed warrants for his arrest.  The man was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.

 

Incident Type:         ASSIST OTHER AGENCY

Date:                          9/16/2021

Town:                        blaine

Trooper:                   TR. KILCOLLINS

Brief Synopsis:       Presque Isle PD was investigating an assault and asked if a Trooper could attempt to locate the offender who resided in Blaine.  Tr. Kilcollins, familiar with the man, went to his residence and arrested him for PIPD without incident.  The man was brought to PIPD per their request.

 

Incident Type:         trespassing / OUI

Date:                          9/16/2021

Town:                        crystal

Trooper:                   TR. CASTONGUAY/CPL. QUINT

Brief Synopsis:       It was reported to HRCC of a vehicle possibly trespassing on the complainant’s property and she was concerned the person(s) may try to break into her camp located on the far end of her property.  The caller later stated the vehicle was leaving and drove through a potato field; she provided a description of the vehicle.  Cpl. Quint located the vehicle in Crystal and when he turned around to follow the truck it turned onto a dirt road and shut its headlights off.  Cpl. Quint stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver about the incident.  The man was intoxicated and removed from the truck.  He denied being in the reported area or going through a field, however, his truck was covered in fresh mud.  Tr. Castonguay conducted Field Sobriety Testing subsequently arresting the man for OUI.  He was transported to the Aroostook County Jail for a breath test and later able to post bail.

 

Incident Type:         ASSAULT

Date:                          9/18/2021

Town:                        Van Buren

Trooper:                   Tr. Martin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Martin began an investigation into an incident that had occurred in the Van Buren / Connor area.  A 911 call had been received and it was apparent that there was some sort of conflict ongoing between several individuals.  With the assistance of other agencies, the parties in the complaint were located.  The investigation revealed that an argument had transpired over money and a local female started an altercation with the victim which elevated to the point that the offender stabbed a backpack that the victim had been wearing.  The offender was arrested and transported to jail where she was charged with Attempted Elevated Aggravated Assault, Terrorizing, Reckless Conduct, Criminal Mischief, and Violation of 3 Counts of Conditions of Release.

Incident Type:         BURGLARY

Date:                          9/14/2021

Town:                        perham

Trooper:                   tr. curtin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Curtin took a burglary report from a man in Perham who advised his son was incarcerated and it appears someone had broken into his residence.  The victim’s father reported several items missing.  The investigation is ongoing.

 

Incident Type:         CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Date:                          9/17/2021

Town:                        fort fairfield

Trooper:                   tr. curtin

Brief Synopsis:       Tr. Curtin responded to a residence in Fort Fairfield after a woman called to report someone had damaged her vehicle.  Tr. Curtin’s investigation revealed there was an ongoing civil dispute with the woman’s neighbor, and she believed they were responsible for the damage.  Tr. Curtin conducted several interviews and will be submitting the case for review.

# of School Visits conducted – 0

# of OUI Alcohol Arrests – 2

# of OUI Drug Arrests – 0

# of DV Arrests – 0

09-14-21

Trooper Kim Sawyer received a report of two catalytic convertors stolen in Brookton.

Trooper Kim Sawyer summonsed Zachary Anderson (18) of Calais for leaving the scene of an attended vehicle accident that occurred 7/16/2021 in Calais after getting a subpoena and viewing the Machias Savings Bank video in Calais.

Trooper Einar Mattson stopped a vehicle for defective equipment on Route 1, Hancock. The operator of the vehicle, Scott Knowles (38) of Winter Harbor was summoned for Operating After Suspension. (Infraction)

Trooper Einar Mattson received a complaint of theft from in Otis. The theft occurred during the past 10 days. One item and credit card valued at $50.00 was taken from a mailbox.

09-17-21

Trooper Owen Reed arrested John Consavage (21) of New Hampshire, for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol after a traffic stop in Castine. 

09-18-21

Trooper Einar Mattson responded to a property damage accident on Route 1 in Orland. The operator, Richard Lord (59) Stonington was arrested for Operating a Motor Vehicle While under the Influence of Alcohol.

09-19-21

Corporal Blaine Silk, Sergeant Daniel Ryan and Trooper Einar Mattson responded to a complaint of threatening with a firearm in Franklin.  State Troopers arrived and Cunningham refused to answer his phone or communicate with police. State Police Tactical Team responded and ultimately Christopher Cunningham (34) of Franklin was arrested for Criminal Threatening with a Firearm and Reckless Conduct. Deputies from Hancock County Sheriff Office assisted.

 

On 09/14/2021, Cpl. Physic pulled over a vehicle for speeding during morning commute.  The driver, Derek Lemieux, was found to have a suspended driver license status and had an active warrant for FTA.  Derek was bailed from Troop B and summonsed for OAS.

On 09/15/2021, Sgt. Duda and K9 Mack responded to Auburn after being requested to conduct a K9 sniff of a vehicle that Auburn PD conducted. No indications were observed, a small amount of fentanyl was located inside the car during a hand search.

On 9/16/2021, Tr. Loder received a call about a vehicle that was operating erratically before striking the guardrail. Tr. Loder located the vehicle on the shoulder near mile 37 to find the driver unresponsive and locked inside the car.  One of the other motorists who called 911 about the vehicle had stopped with it.  This other motorist, a doctor/medical school professor, wasn’t able to access the operator inside the car.  Tr. Loder provided the doctor with a box of Narcan, then broke out one of the car’s rear windows to gain access to the driver.  The doctor administered two doses of Narcan and monitored the driver’s vitals until EMS arrived.  The driver lived, and ultimately Daniel Walleston (23) of Massachusetts was charged with OUI-Drugs.  Cpl. Cropper assisted and recovered drugs – suspected of being fentanyl – from the vehicle.  Lab tests are pending.

On 09/16/2021, Cpl. Cote stopped Stanley Hill (38) of Auburn on the ME Turnpike northbound in Auburn.  His ME driver’s license was found to be suspended.  He was charged with Operating after Suspension and his vehicle was towed away.

On 09/17/2021, Cpl. Cropper stopped Isaiah O'Brien (23) of Lewiston at the Exit 63 off ramp in Gray after the RCC received multiple complaints on his poor operation. O’Brien was taken into custody and transported to Troop B for an intoxilyzer test. O’Brien tested over the legal limit and was transported to Cumberland County Jail. This was O’Brien's second OUI in 24 hours.

On 09/18/2021, Tr. Bourdelais stopped Chad Brown (30) of Oakland at MM 48 SB after an erratic driving complaint. Brown was arrested for OUI and tested over the legal limit. Sgt. Wilkinson assisted at the stop.

On 09/18/2021, Tr. Loder responded to a single vehicle rollover at the entrance to the southbound service plaza in Kennebunk to find the vehicle struck the guardrail in the gore at the departing ramp before striking a light pole, a road sign post, and an embankment.  The vehicle then flipped over the embankment and came to rest at the edge of a small pond.  Amazingly, the operator was not hurt.  He was on his way home from working the overnight shift and fell asleep at the wheel.

On 09/19/2021, Tr. Loder responded to a non-reportable crash in the northbound rest area in Kittery.  Upon running the registrations of the involved parties, Tr. Loder discovered one of the operators was the subject of a missing/endangered subject teletype issued in August.  After further investigation, it became apparent the woman was in good health and not in crisis or a danger to herself.  The teletype was canceled.

On 09/19/2021, Tr. Worcester was dispatched to a two-vehicle crash at MM 1 SB involving a dump truck. Shortly after the crash was reported, a motorcycle crashed into one of the vehicles. The motorcycle operator sustained a broken leg. Tr. MacKinnon assisted at the crash scene.

On 09/19/2021, Tr. Kristy LiBritz took part in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk which took place in Portland at Fort Allen Park. Tr. LiBritz raised money to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and walked in honor of a family member.

 

At approximately 8:51 am on Tuesday, September 21st, the Maine State Police received a call from an individual reporting the discovery of human remains at the solid waste facility on River Road in Lewiston.  Detectives from both the Lewiston Police Department and Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – South responded to that location to interview witnesses and secure the scene. 

Officials from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner assisted in the collection of the remains with members of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team.  A post-mortem examination on the remains is expected to occur in the coming days.  

Detectives and Evidence Technicians are expected to be at the facility on River Road for much of the day investigating the circumstances surrounding this discovery.  Detectives from both the Lewiston Police Department and Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – South continue interviewing witnesses and other persons of interest at this time.  

The Maine State Police do not believe that there is any threat to the public and will share more information as it becomes available.
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO 

On the evening of September 24, 2015, the Caribou Fire Department responded to a house fire on lower Lyndon Street in Caribou. After putting the fire out firefighters discovered the body of the homeowner, 58-year-old Kenneth Zernicke.  Zernicke’s death was ruled a homicide after an autopsy at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, but the case was never solved. 

Zernicke’s home is located near a busy four-way intersection and Maine State Police Detectives have always hoped someone saw something that would help with the investigation.

“It’s a small town. Somebody knows what happened to my brother. I just want them to come forward and do the right thing. I’m hoping this reward will help make that happen” said Zernicke’s brother Joe Bourgoine who described Ken as an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish.

Bourgoine has spent the past six years saving money for a reward that he hopes will provide answers.
The reward being offered is $10,000. 

If anyone has information about the case they are asked to contact Detective Adam Bell at the Houlton Barracks, 207.532.5400
 

From the desk of Shannon Moss, DPS PIO

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at approximately 2:50 p.m. the Somerset Regional Communications Center received a 911 call from a residence at 85 James Rd. in Cornville. The call indicated a two-year-old child was found in a small farm pond on the property and was unresponsive. Skowhegan Fire Chief Shawn Howard was in the area, heard the call, and was first to arrive on the scene immediately starting CPR on the child. The child was transported by ambulance to Redington Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan and then sent by Lifeflight to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor where he remains in critical condition.

Due to the nature of the call, multiple agencies responded to the scene including the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Maine State Police Troopers, Game Wardens, Forest Rangers, and Maine State Police’s Major Crime Unit. At this point, Detectives say the incident appears to be a tragic accident for the family and all of those involved.
 

On Thursday, September 23, 2021 at approximately 1:40 a.m. 22-year-old Ethan Chase of Durham was traveling east bound on the Falmouth Spur when he lost control of his car and crashed into a toll booth. 

The impact of the crash caused Chase’s car to catch fire and heavily damage a section of the toll booth. The shattered glass and debris from the crash struck 46-year-old John Schwabe of Westbrook. He was transported to Maine Medical Center for lacerations to his head and face.  He is expected to be released from the hospital today. Chase was not injured in the crash.

The initial investigation shows speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. Chase has been charged with Aggravated OUI.

The crash remains under investigation. No additional details are available at this time. 

The Falmouth Fire Department assisted in the crash. An engineer from the Maine Turnpike Authority will be on scene today to access the damage.

The high speed toll lanes were not impacted.