Washington County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report July 5 – 11, 2013

Deputy Gregory Sawyer stopped a vehicle for a possible OUI in Machias. Machias Police Dept. assisted with the vehicle stop. Field sobriety tests were conducted. The driver was not operating under the influence but was operating with a suspended driver’s license. The driver was given a summons for Operating after Suspension.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer assisted with a motor vehicle accident in East Machias with no personal injury. A deer ran into the side of a vehicle causing damage to the driver’s side door.

Deputy Steven Ramsey investigated an assault in Robbinston. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a report of a Violation of Protection Order in Cherryfield. After an investigation no violation had occurred.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt handled a civil assist in Milbridge. A landlord wanted his tenants removed. Lt Tabbutt advised the landlord to contact the court for paperwork to evict the tenants. This was not a criminal matter.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated property damage in Edmunds. A vehicle had driven across the lawn and out through a field. Investigation continues.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a possible domestic situation in Jonesboro. Machias Police Dept. assisted. Both parties had calmed down and no assault had occurred. Deputy Sawyer took statements and issued warnings.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a civil assist in Cherryfield.

Deputy Dennis Perry responded to a 911 hang-up call. The call came from out on the water on Crawford Lake. Deputy Perry tried calling the number several times while in route to Crawford Lake. Deputy Perry located the caller and his family and verified that everything was OK. The caller was swimming with his phone in his pocket and did not realize he had dialed 911.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a Burglary to a dwelling in Columbia Falls. Investigation is ongoing.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a Burglary at a summer residence in Beals. Household items were missing. Investigation continues.
Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a Criminal Mischief complaint in Jonesport. A homeowner reported that someone had tried to remove his fence. Investigation is ongoing.

Deputy Adam Davis responded to a Theft of Services complaint in Wesley. Eastern Maine Electric Company reported a possible theft of electricity. An investigation is ongoing.

Fatal Big Lake Township accident

On Thursday, July 4, 2013 at approximately 1:30am a 2006 Toyota Tundra owned by Sandra Melanson and Raphael Sockabasin and operated by 19 year old Ray Sockabasin of Indian Township was involved in a crash on West St in Big Lake Township. The vehicle was traveling north when the operator lost control on a corner, causing the vehicle to go off the road, striking several trees before rolling onto it’s roof and pinning the operator who had been partially ejected, to the ground under the vehicle. There were no other occupants in the vehicle and no other people were present during the crash. The vehicle was a total loss and Mr. Sockabasin was reported as deceased when EMTs arrived. The family was notified of the incident by Chief Alex Nicholas of Indian Township Police Department.

The incident is being investigated by Deputy Greg Sawyer.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report June 21 – 27, 2013

Deputy Gregory Sawyer assisted with a medical emergency in Pembroke. The individual was transported to Calais Regional Hospital.
Cpl Ralph Pineo investigated a report of criminal threatening in Deblois. After interviewing the parties Cpl Pineo determined no criminal threatening had occurred.

Sgt Randy Perry investigated a possible harassment in Cherryfield. The individual agreed to stop calling and texting his ex-girlfriend.

Sgt Randy Perry responded to an assault complaint in Jonesport. Investigation continues.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer conducted a well- being check in Princeton. After gaining entry into the house the individual was upset and requiring medical assistance. An ambulance was called to assist with the medical issues.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated a criminal mischief complaint in Princeton. Several mail boxes were damaged or missing in the neighborhood. Investigation continues.

Deputy Ryan Allen, Deputy Steve Ramsey and Deputy Dennis Perry assisted with traffic at the Bay of Fundy International Marathon in Lubec.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a harassment charge in Jonesport. No charges pending at this time.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a complaint of harassment by telephone in Milbridge. An individual was receiving threatening phone calls and text messages. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a 911 hang up call in Cherryfield. A minor admitted to dialing 911. Lt Tabbutt instructed the minor on how to use 911 for emergencies. The Sheriff’s Office has responded to forty-one 911 hang up calls during the month of June. Most of these calls were “pocket dials” or children playing with phones.

Deputy Steven Ramsey investigated a criminal mischief complaint to a school bus in Princeton. A window on the bus was broken and the seats were cut. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a gun shot being fired in Harrington. Lt Tabbutt located the individual who admitted to shooting a raccoon.

Deputy Ryan Allen assisted with a civil matter in Princeton.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated a complaint of criminal trespass in Jonesboro. No further action taken at this time.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report June 14 – 20, 2013

Deputy Gregory Sawyer assisted in a civil assist at the Rocky Lake Campground in Township 18.

Sgt Brandon Parker responded to a report of a car off the road in Cherryfield that was stuck on a mailbox. The two subjects were both walking around the scene when Deputy Parker arrived. After speaking with the two subjects, the driver was summons for Operating under the influence and the passenger was summons for illegal possession of liquor by a minor.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt received a 911 hang up from Cherryfield. Lt Tabbutt determined the call to be an accident after speaking with the caller. The caller was working on his truck and his phone was in his pocket. The Sheriff’s Office has responded to 521 “ 911 hang-up calls” since January 1, 2013. All of which require a response. The Sheriff’s Office has to respond to all 911 calls to determine if an emergency exist. We encourage everyone to educate themselves about their cell phones.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a motor vehicle accident in Columbia. The driver was backing up in a parking lot with a boat and the boat hit the front of a parked vehicle. After interviewing the driver and the victim, Lt Tabbutt determined it was an accident and no further action was taken.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt received a call about a possible break-in at Day Block Twp. Warden Alan Curtis assisted with the investigation. Investigation continues.

Deputy Ryan Allen was asked to assist Down East EMS with a possible domestic situation in Baileyville. When Deputy Allen arrived the individuals had reached a peaceful agreement.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to East Machias for a report of criminal threatening. Deputy Sawyer met the suspect while in route to East Machias and stopped the vehicle. After questioning the suspect no charges were issued. The suspect was on probation, so the matter was turned over to the Probation Dept.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer served a criminal trespass notice in Calais.

Cpl Ralph Pineo investigated a possible harassment in Columbia Falls. The complainant reported that she was being harassed on Facebook. After investigating the complaint Cpl Pineo found no harassment had taken place.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt assisted Machias Police Department with traffic control for the Machias parade.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in Lubec. The individual was intoxicated and yelling. Both parties came to an agreement for the night and no summons was issued.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a motor vehicle accident in Whitneyville. The driver and his passengers were not injured and the vehicle was towed. No charges were issued.

Sgt Brandon Parker responded to a loud party complaint at Schoodic Lake in TWP 18. Lt Travis Willey and Deputy Dennis Worcester assisted with the investigation. Several under age teenagers were issued summons for Illegal Possession of Liquor. One individual was arrested and transported to Washington County Jail and charged with Disorderly Conduct after refusing to cooperate with the officers.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report June 7 – 13, 2013

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a motor vehicle accident in Harrington. The driver of the vehicle was located and arrested for operating under the influence.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated several reports of speeding in a 35 MPH in Jonesport. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will be addressing this problem.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt investigated a report of harassment in Addison. After speaking with both parties, they agreed to have no contact with each other.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a motor vehicle accident in Alexander with no personal injuries.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated a theft of a purse from a home in Robbinston. The purse was believed to be stolen by a family member. The family member was located and admitted to stealing the purse.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated a theft by deception complaint in Princeton. Investigation continues.

Sgt Brandon Parker investigated a report of harassment in Cherryfield. After speaking with the individual involved, Sgt Parker determined that no harassment had occurred.

Sgt Brandon Parker responded to a possible burglary in Milbridge. After walking through the house it was evident that a raccoon had been trapped in the house for several days.

Deputy Ryan Allen responded to a report of criminal mischief in Steuben. Someone had painted graffiti on the baseball dug out at the ball field. Investigation continues.

Deputy Ryan Allen responded to three 911 hang up calls in Addison from the same address. A grandmother had let her grandchild play with a phone that was no longer in service. Deputy Allen informed the grandmother that the 911 feature on the phone was still working. The grandmother immediately took the phone away from the grandchild and apologized for any inconvenience.

Deputy Ryan Allen responded to a vehicle crash in Beals. When Deputy Allen arrived at the scene of the accident, the driver was not present. The vehicle was towed. The driver reported the crash the next day. Possible charges pending.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report

May 31 – June 6, 2013
Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a report of a possible violation of a Protection Order in Steuben. After the investigation, Lt Tabbutt determined that no violation had occurred.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt assisted Gouldsboro Police Officer Sgt James Malloy with an arrest warrant in Gouldsboro.
Deputy John Peterson along with K-9 Dev. and Deputy Ryan Allen along with K-9 Dozer conducted K-9 training in Wesley.

Deputy Ryan Allen responded to a report of a disoriented and confused male subject in Danforth. Deputy Allen was unable to locate the subject to check his well-being.

The Washington County Deputies attended CPR training at the Baileyville Police Department.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a report of fireworks being set off in East Machias. The fireworks had stopped once Deputy Sawyer arrived.

Sgt Brandon Parker responded to an unresponsive male in Cherryfield. The caller was a small child. Upon arriving at the residence the male was awake and responsive.

Cpl Ralph Pineo investigated a property dispute in Columbia. Deputy Pineo explained to the land owners that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police had responded to this property on many occasions. Cpl Pineo advised the property owners that they need to have this matter resolved in civil court.

Cpl Ralph Pineo and Deputy Ryan Allen assisted with traffic control at the Washington Academy graduation.

Deputy John Peterson responded to a single vehicle crash in Pembroke. Deputy Peterson spoke with a male subject upon arrival at the scene who was the driver. The driver had sustained minor injuries. A female subject was still in the vehicle and required medical attention. Once the ambulance arrived Deputy Peterson spoke with the male subject. The male subject smelled of intoxicants. Field sobriety tests were conducted and a driver’s license check was requested. The driver was on conditions of release with a condition of no use or possession of substances. Deputy Peterson arrested the driver and transported him to the Washington County Jail.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a single vehicle accident in Marshfield. The driver had minor injuries. There were 2 dogs also in the vehicle but one had run away after the crash. The dog was later located.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a report of criminal threatening in Jonesboro. After interviewing the parties involved, warnings were given to both parties to stay away from each other.

Sgt Brandon Parker investigated two individuals sleeping in the Irving parking lot in Harrington. Sgt Parker ran both occupants driver’s licenses and they were suspended. The occupants were told not to drive or they would be arrested.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer investigated a theft at a residence in Roque Bluffs. The resident had just returned to Roque Bluffs for vacation and had noticed a propane wall heater missing. Investigation continues.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle in Cutler. After an investigation the vehicle was found, involved in a crash with no one around. The State Police are investigating the accident.

Deputy John Peterson responded to a missing 16 year old in Edmunds. The juvenile was located and returned to his father.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Report May 24 – 30, 2013

Deputy Richard Rolfe and canine Stryker assisted Sgt Perry on a bail check in Jonesport. The subject consented to a search and a substance screen. No drugs were located and the substance screen was negative.

Deputy Richard Rolfe and canine Stryker assisted Sgt Parker and Deputy Sawyer on a probation check in Milbridge. During the search a marijuana grow was discovered. The probationer produced a marijuana card. The probationer consented to a substance screen and tested positive for substances. Probationer was arrested and transported to Washington County Jail.

Deputy Ryan Allen conducted a probation check in Cherryfield. Subject had probation conditions of no use or possession of substances. Subject tested positive for substances and was transported to the Washington County Jail and placed on a probation hold.

Deputy Ryan Allen and canine Dozer assisted Lt Timothy Tabbutt with a bail check in Steuben. Canine Dozer located the subject hiding under a pile of clothes. Subject was arrested for violation of bail and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a 911 hang up in Cherryfield. After arriving at the residence and interviewing the homeowners Lt Timothy Tabbutt determined the call to be accidental. A child had been playing with a cell phone and placed the call.

The number of 911 calls from “pocket dials”, children playing with the phone, and misdials has increased significantly. The sheriff’s office encourages teaching children the importance of knowing how, and when, to dial 911.

Cpl Ralph Pineo responded to a fight in progress in Steuben. Officer James Malloy from Milbridge Police Dept assisted. Subject was no longer at the residence when the officers arrived. Subject was later located and told not to return to the residence or he would be charged with criminal trespass.

Cpl John Peterson received a complaint of a burglary in Lubec. A search of the property produced a large amount of copper piping missing from the basement. Investigation continues.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt received a call about a loud party in Steuben. The caller stated that her husband had gone next door to ask them to quiet down but was attacked. The caller did not want to press any charges but wanted the party to quiet down. While on the phone the party seemed to be breaking up.

Sgt Brandon Parker responded to a call from an intoxicated female stating she had been assaulted in Perry. The caller was walking towards Route 1 when she was located. RCC advised that the female had an outstanding warrant on an unrelated matter. Subject was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Lt Timothy Tabbutt responded to a domestic assault in Cherryfield. Subject was arrested and transported to Washington County Jail. Victim was referred to Next Step.

Lt Travis Willey assisted Maine State Trooper Andrew Foss with an investigation into a firearm from Machiasport. After interviewing the subject at his residence in Whitneyville, the subject was arrested and transported to the Washington County Jail.

Cpl Ralph Pineo conducted a bail check on a subject in Milbridge. Subject was no longer living at the address in Milbridge and had moved to Steuben. The subject was located in Steuben and given a summons for a Bail Violation and was told to call the court to update his address.

Cpl Ralph Pineo assisted Maine Drug Enforcement Agency in executing a warrant in Harrington. Subject was arrested without incident.

Cpl Ralph Pineo assisted the Coast Guard in locating a boat owner whose emergency beacon was going off. The owner was located, but the boat had been sold and the emergency beacon was disabled some time ago.

Deputy Gregory Sawyer responded to a call for a possible Theft of medications in Topsfield. Investigation is ongoing.