Thursday, August 28, 2014

Weekly Report -- 8/13/14 to 8/21/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
We are having some of the hottest days of the year, but fall and winter are fast approaching. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office receives many requests for well-being checks during the winter. We are most often requested to check on the elderly and those who live alone. However, the majority of people of concern are checked on by relatives and neighbors. If you have neighbors or relatives who you check on during the winter, it may be a good idea to visit them now. Make sure they have batteries for flashlights and lanterns, as well as warm blankets and a supply of fresh water. Put together a list of supplies that need to be restocked or refreshed. Starting early will make you and your loved ones feel better when the first snow flies.

The Sheriff’s Office received and responded to 103 calls for service this week.

08/15/14:
Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a single-vehicle accident on Route 191 in East Machias. The driver was transported to the Downeast Community Hospital for possible injuries.

A report of a possible assault on Route 1 in Whiting was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. The victim was transported to Downeast Community Hospital. The alleged assailant was arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail. Lt. Travis Willey assisted.

Deputy Adam Davis assisted Sgt. Walker, Officer Hinerman, and Officer Mace of the Machias Police Department with the arrest of an assault suspect on Route 1 in Machias.

08/16/2014:
A routine traffic stop by Deputy Timothy Carter on Main Street in East Machias resulted in the issuance of a summons for civil possession of a usable amount of marijuana. Sgt. Ralph Pineo and Deputy Blaine Silk assisted.

Deputy Timothy Carter responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Belyea Road in Emunds. The driver was given a field sobriety test and transported to the Washington County Jail. Once at the jail, the individual was given a breath alcohol test and booked on a charge of OUI. Deputy Carter was assisted in his investigation by Deputy Blaine Silk and by Officer Mike Donahe of the Pleasant Point Police Department.

A complaint of a domestic disturbance on Route 1 in Baring was investigated by Sgt. Ralph Pineo. Sgt. Pineo spoke with all the subjects and cleared the scene.

08/17/14:
A report of burglary and criminal mischief at two separate residences on the Amazon Road in Grand Lake Stream was investigated by Cpl. Christopher Donahue. The investigation remains ongoing.

08/18/14:
A car-deer crash on Route 1 in Harrington was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. The driver did not report any injuries.

Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a report of a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 1A in Harrington. The driver and passenger of the vehicle were transported to Downeast Community Hospital.

A complaint of a naked man on an ATV on the Sacarap Road in Columbia was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. Deputy Silk spoke with the individual who stated that underwear had been worn. Deputy Silk suggested to the individual that full clothing should be worn in the future.

08/19/2014:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo responded to a complaint of terrorizing on the Raft Cove Road in Trescott. Sgt. Pineo suggested that the victim obtain a protection order.

A report of domestic disturbance on Route 189 in Lubec was investigated by Sgt. Ralph Pineo. Sgt. Pineo interviewed all parties involved and placed an individual under arrest. The individual was transported to the Washington County Jail by Deputy Blaine Silk, who assisted with the call.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Camp Breaks on Lower Oxbrook Lake

PRESS RELEASE
***For Immediate Release***

On or about 8-17-2014 the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple reports of Camp Breaks on Lower Oxbrook Lake in T6 ND BPP. Deputies began investigations and found that 4 seasonal camps had been burglarized, several thousand dollars worth of property had been taken, and hundreds of dollars worth of damage had been done to the property. Through evidence collected it was determined that the crimes were committed early in the morning before daylight on the 17th.

Several high value items had been stolen, including chain saws, firearms, hunting bows, walkie talkie radios, hand tools, a four wheeler, and other misc items all estimated to exceed 4000$ in total value.

The Sheriff’s Office continued to investigate the crimes and through physical evidence, witness statements, and community awareness, the Sheriff’s Office was able to identify two primary suspects in the case. Both suspects are juveniles and cannot be named.

Through cooperation by both juvenile suspects, nearly all of the stolen property was then recovered. Some of the property was recovered at the juvenile suspect’s residences. The rest of the property was recovered in 3 separate locations in the woods near Lower Oxbrook Lake.

The victim’s property was recovered by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Indian Township Warden Service, and the Maine Warden Service. The property has been secured and will be returned to the victims at a later date.

Both juvenile suspects are cooperating with the investigation at this time and the case will be turned over to the Juvenile Corrections Officer and the local District Attorney’s Office for any charging decisions. Possible Charges include Felony Theft of Firearms, Burglary, Felony Theft of Property, and Criminal Mischief.

Sheriff Donnie Smith
Washington County Sheriff’s Office

Friday, August 22, 2014

Weekly Report 8/06/14 to 8/12/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
A marked increase in traffic accidents has occurred over the past couple of weeks. Because of large game animals, summer visitors to our county, and foggy conditions due to varying temperatures and precipitation, all drivers need to remember to drive defensively. The Sheriff’s Office reminds drivers to be alert and undistracted.

The Sheriff’s Office received and responded to 106 calls for service this week.

08/06/14:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo investigated a report of theft on the Cutler Road in Machiasport. The investigation is ongoing.

A second report of theft was responded to by Deputy Blaine Silk. The alleged theft, off the Wyman Road in Milbridge, remains under investigation.

A car-moose accident on Route 9 in Alexander was attended to by Cpl. Christopher Donahue. No injuries were reported.

A personal-injury, two-vehicle accident was reported at the intersection of Routes 1 and 6 in Topsfield. Fire trucks from Indian Township, Princeton, and Baileyville attended the scene. Calais Rescue units 2 and 3, as well as an ambulance from Downeast EMS were also called upon.

08/07/2014:
Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a complaint of suspicious activity on Pleasant Street in Addison. The suspect was removed from the property of the complainant and given a verbal criminal trespass warning. The complainant was given instructions on how to obtain a protection order.

A hit-and-run accident was reported at the Hannaford parking lot in Columbia. Deputy Blaine Silk answered the call. No injuries were reported.

Deputy Blaine Silk investigated an event of suspicious activity on East Main Street in Harrington. A group of juveniles were playing near the guard rails and advised Deputy Silk that they were “twerking.” Deputy Silk warned the group that it was an unsafe area to play, particularly in the dark with vehicles travelling at high speeds.

08/08/14:
A two-vehicle accident on the Ray’s Point Road in Milbridge was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. No injuries were reported.

08/09/2014:
Deputy Timothy Carter attended a car-deer accident on the County Road in Trescott. No injuries were reported.

08/10/2014:
A single-vehicle accident on Route 189 in Lubec was investigated by Sgt. Brandon Parker. The operator of the vehicle was given a blood alcohol test.

08/12/14:
Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a complaint of a fight on the Indian River Road in Addison. Upon investigation of the matter, an individual was arrested for assault and taken to the Washington County Jail.

An individual was stopped for erratic driving on Route 1 in Columbia by Deputy Timothy Carter. Deputy Carter performed a field sobriety test and then transported the suspect to Downeast Community Hospital for a blood test. The individual was then taken to the Washington County Jail and booked on OUI.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Weekly Report 7/30/14 to 8/05/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
The Sheriff’s Office would like to take a moment to recognize the importance of cooperation in public safety. Assists by local police departments and the State Police help us to better and more fully serve the citizens of Washington County. The well-being of the citizens also takes up a huge amount of the Sheriff’s Office’s resources. EMTs and ambulance crews, firefighters, our two hospitals, and community agencies, such as The Next Step, help us to keep citizens safe. Our deputies are the ones out on patrol, and you see their names here weekly. They are the most visible part of the Sheriff’s Office. We’d also like to recognize the members of our agency who work behind the scenes. The Washington County Regional Communications Center (RCC) receives all the 9-1-1 calls and dispatches them to the appropriate agency. Our correctional officers take care of inmates in the jail. Each part of this system is integral, and we appreciate the work and support of the employees from every agency.

The Sheriff’s Office received and responded to 117 calls for service this week.

07/30/14:
Deputy Timothy Carter responded to a report of threatening on Main Street in East Machias. The investigation is ongoing.

07/31/2014:
Sgt. Ralph Pineo investigated a report of attempted theft on Main Street in Princeton. Sgt. Pineo warned the subject regarding this behavior.

08/01/14:
A single-vehicle accident on Route 191 in Cathance Twp was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. The operator of the vehicle was transported to the hospital for possible injuries. A drug and alcohol blood test was also administered.

Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a call regarding potential domestic violence and suicidal tendencies on the Ridge Road in Cherryfield. The individual was transported to the hospital without incident.

A report of theft on North Duck Cove Road in Roque Bluffs was investigated by Sgt. Ralph Pineo. The investigation remains open.

08/02/2014:

Deputy Timothy Carter, assisted by Officer Harris of the Calais Police Department, summonsed an individual for OUI on South Street in Calais.

A report of domestic disturbance on Main Street in Harrington was investigated by Lt. Timothy Tabbutt. Upon Lt. Tabbutt’s arrival, the parties had stopped arguing. Lt. Tabbutt suggested the parties cool down before trying to work out their differences.

Sgt. Brandon Parker responded to a report of mailbox vandalism on Milbridge Road in Cherryfield. Sgt. Parker arrested the individual, who was brought to the Washington County Jail and booked on charges of criminal mischief.

A report of theft on the Hanscom Road in Whitneyville was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter. The investigation remains ongoing.

08/03/2014:
A report of burglary on Ferry Street in Jonesport was investigated by Sgt. Brandon Parker. One individual was arrested on charges of burglary and forgery. The investigation remains open.

08/04/14:
Cpl. Christopher Donahue responded to a report of an out-of-control individual on the Houlton Road in Waite. All parties calmed down, and Cpl. Donahue cleared the scene without incident.

08/05/2014:
Deputy Timothy Carter investigated a report of theft on Eastside Road in Machiasport. The investigation is ongoing.

An individual was arrested by Deputy Timothy Carter on the Shipyard Road in Dennsyville. The individual was taken to the Washington County Jail and booked on charges of criminal threatening and violating conditions of release.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

WEEKLY REPORT 7/23/14 to 7/29/14

ITEMS OF INTEREST:
The Sheriff’s Office reminds all citizens to be aware of scams, which may be in the form of telephone calls, emails, or door-to-door callers. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please contact the Sheriff’s Office and your financial institution right away. We encourage all to keep an eye out for elderly relatives or neighbors who may become victims.

07/23/2014:
Deputy Timothy Carter arrested an individual at the Shipyard Road in Dennysville on an outstanding warrant from New Hampshire.

A complaint of assault was investigated by Sgt. Brandon Parker on Jonesport Avenue in Jonesport. Upon Sgt. Parker’s arrival, he found that the parties had separated. Sgt. Parker issued a trespass warning against the alleged assailant.

07/24/14:
Sgt. Brandon Parker responded to a complaint of theft on the Mt. Tom Road in Charlotte. The investigation is ongoing.

07/25/2014:

Cpl. Christopher Donahue served a Protection from Abuse Order in Machias.

A report of theft in the Gleason’s Bay area of Perry was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. The investigation remains ongoing.

Deputy Blaine Silk responded to a complaint of theft on the Airline Road in Wesley. His investigation continues.

A complaint of criminal trespass at West Manor in Milbridge was investigated by Lt. Timothy Tabbutt. The individual was arrested and summonsed for the offense.

07/26/2014:
Deputy Timothy Carter, assisted by Deputy Blaine Silk, arrested an individual for driving after suspension on the Kennebec Road in Machiasport. The suspect was also charged with possession and intent to use drug paraphernalia and display of fictitious inspection certificate.

A complaint of domestic violence on the Augusta Drive in Steuben was investigated by Lt. Timothy Tabbutt. When Lt. Tabbutt arrived on the scene, the parties had separated. Lt. Tabbutt recommended the victim, who did not wish to place charges, contact the Next Step Domestic Violence Project.

A report of criminal mischief on the Northfield Road in Marshfield was investigated by Deputy Blaine Silk. Deputy Silk spoke to the suspects and the complainant. No further action was necessary.

07/27/14:
Deputy Timothy Carter, assisted by Lt. Timothy Tabbutt, arrested an individual for operating after suspension on Route 1 in Harrington.

A report of assault on Apple Lane in Pembroke was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter. Assisting with the call were Officer Murray from the Pleasant Point Police Department, Officer Claroni from the Eastport Police Department, and Deputy Blaine Silk. The suspect, who had possible injuries from the reported assault, was transported to Downeast Community Hospital in Machias. Once cleared by the medical staff, the individual was transported to the Washington County Jail and booked on charges of assault and refusing to submit to arrest or detention.
Deputy Timothy Carter responded to an unattended death at Emery Circle in Lubec. Deputy Carter observed no signs of foul play, and no items appeared to have been removed from the individual or the residence. The individual, who appeared to have died from natural causes, was attended to by McClure’s Funeral Home.

A complaint of possible criminal mischief on Route 92 in Machiasport was investigated by Deputy Timothy Carter, with an assist by Warden Wayde Carter. The victim did not wish to press charges.

07/28/2014:
Deputy Timothy Carter arrested an individual at the Lubec Customs Office on an outstanding warrant from Hancock County. The individual was taken to the Washington County Jail.

A request to remove a subject from Dowling Drive in Whitneyville was investigated by Sgt. Brandon Parker. The subject was removed peaceably. No further action was necessary.

07/29/14:
A single-vehicle accident on Route 1 in Jonesboro was attended by Deputy Timothy Carter, assisted by Officer Corin Dowling of the Machias Police Department. The operator was transported to Downeast Community Hospital by the Machias Ambulance Service for possible injuries.