Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department
Sep 23, 2025
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Wealth Management.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On August 7, a 72-year-old woman from Southwest Harbor reported to the Southwest Harbor Police Department that she may have been a victim of online fraud. On September 18, the police department was able to return all $9,600 of her money back to her.
The victim did not initially realize that she was falling prey to one of the many types of online scams or that her report would be one of the many hundreds of thousands of internet crime reports made in the U.S. this year.
Last year, there were more than 860,000 internet crime reports made in the U.S.
But when she started losing control of her computer and some online accounts, she decided something might be wrong and told the police that she had mailed $9,600 to New York City.
It was very likely the fact that she had mailed cash and not made an electronic transaction that attributed to her being one of the very few victims to get their money back. That and the fast thinking and tenacity of Southwest Harbor Sgt. Ryan Blakeney and Officer James Kamorski.
“At times they would both be on multiple phones and a computer at the same time trying to deal with other agencies to track this money,” said Police Chief John Hall of the Sgt Blakeney and Officer Kamorski’s work.
Those other agencies included the Maine State Police, the New York Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Service and Inspector.
According to Chief Hall, utilizing these agencies, the package was able to be located and tracked all the way to the delivery address that the victim had been told to place on the package. No further enforcement action was possible due to the circumstances of the package’s arrival at its New York City destination.
Additionally, none of the I.P. addresses thought to be related to the fraud scheme showed as being tied to the name of the package addressee and Chief Hall said that law enforcement doesn’t even know if that person exists. So, there are no suspects in the case.
However, the victim got her money back: the same cash that she sent out.
BAR HARBOR AND MOUNT DESERT POLICE LOGS
The following incidents occurred in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert last week according to the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department police logs, which is publicly released information.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Gleason spoke with an unhoused transient in Bar Harbor.
Nadine Pinto, 59, of Bar Harbor, was driving a 2014 PIAG moped and entering Main Street from Atlantic Avenue. Pinto allegedly crossed Main Street in Bar Harbor into the southbound lane where George Trout, 68, of Baltimore, Maryland, was driving a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander. The PIAG struck the front right corner of the Outlander. Pinto was ejected from the moped and sustained minor injuries. Pinot was evaluated by EMS but not transported. There were no other reported injuries, no charges issued, and both vehicles sustained only scratches.
Officer Troy Stanwood placed a 72-hour notice on an abandoned vehicle in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood is investigating a fraud scheme that a Bar Harbor resident reported being the victim of.
After receiving a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, Officer Caleb Mora could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Someone reported an illegal campsite at Hadley Point Beach in Bar Harbor and Officer Mora advised the camper to move to a campground.
A man voluntarily relinquished two firearms to the Bar Harbor Police Department.
Officer Amie Torrey received a motor vehicle complaint on Sound Drive in Mount Desert but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Officer Kaleb Payson provided a ride to someone in Bar Harbor.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Officer Payson provided a ride to two people in Bar Harbor.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Lukas Keene arrested Rachel Small, 29, of Rhode Island, for operating under the influence and additionally charged her with driving to endanger. Small was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Payson removed a tree from the roadway in Mount Desert.
A Mount Desert business reported a disgruntled customer and Officer Mora issued the woman a no trespass warning for the business property.
A stray cat in Bar Harbor was taken to the police station where it was later reunited with its owner.
Sgt. Jerrod Hardy responded to a dog in a vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor and found that the vehicle was parked in the shade with the windows cracked and the dog had access to water. Sgt. Hardy was also able to speak with the dog’s owner as she was on her way back to the car at the time.
Sgt. Hardy served a protection order to a Mount Desert resident.
Sgt. Chris Dickens was responding to a request for assistance from the Southwest Harbor Police Department but before he could arrive he was told that he was no longer needed .
After receiving a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, Sgt. Dickens was able to locate and stop the vehicle and determined that the driver was not impaired.
Officer Justin Burnett received a harassment complaint in Bar Harbor and spoke with both parties involved and told them to stop having contact with each other.
Officer Burnett received a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor and was able to speak with the owner of the vehicle later in the day and advised them of the complaint.
A Bar Harbor resident complained that their neighbor was harassing them and their dog. Officer Zach Kline issued the neighbor a cease harassment notice.
After receiving a complaint of a verbal domestic in Bar Harbor, Officer Kline determined that nothing physical had occurred and warned both people involved for disorderly conduct.
Sgt. Hardy is investigating a criminal trespassing complaint in Mount Desert.
Officer Payson assisted the Bar Harbor ambulance with a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Officer Payson documented some damage that occurred to a vehicle in Bar Harbor. The damage was done inadvertently.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
A Cyr Tour bus backed into the public restroom building on Newport Drive in Bar Harbor causing damage to the roof of the building and the top of the bus.
Someone turned in a canister of pepper spray to the Bar Harbor Police Department so that it could be destroyed.
Officer Keene performed a vehicle identification number verification in Bar Harbor for a local tow company.
Officer Stanwood received a report of someone who was driving in Bar Harbor with a suspended license. No contact was made with the suspected driver.
Officer Stanwood assisted the Southwest Harbor Police Department with a combative patient at MDI Hospital.
After receiving a dog in a car compliant in Bar Harbor, Officer Keene found the dog’s owner to be attending to the dog and giving it water when Officer Keene arrived.
Sgt. Dickens removed tire debris from the roadway on Route 3 near Hadley Point Road in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Burnett performed a well-being check on someone in Bar Harbor and found them to be all set.
After receiving a trespassing complaint in Bar Harbor, Officer Payson issued a man a no trespassing warning.
Officer Burnett investigated a report of two suspicious men in Bar Harbor and determined that they were power company employees.
Sgt. Dickens spoke with someone in Bar Harbor about a family matter.
Officer Burnett responded to a medical emergency in Bar Harbor with the Bar Harbor Fire Department. One person was transported to the hospital.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Payson arrested Maxwell Engle, 21, of Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, for operating under the influence.
Officer Burnett responded to a reported domestic disturbance in Bar Harbor and determined that it was only verbal in nature.
Someone in Mount Desert reported being the victim of a fraud scheme to Officer Stanwood.
Officer Stanwood served someone in Bar Harbor a protection from abuse order.
Sgt. Dickens is investigating a report of possible vandalism at a Salsbury Cove residence.
After receiving a report of property damage at a Bar Harbor business, Officer Payson documented the damage.
Officer Stanwood assisted MDI Hospital with having some paperwork signed by a judge.
All officers were out of position to look for a reportedly possibly impaired vehicle driver in Bar Harbor. The vehicle was heading off the island so the complaint was passed on to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Officer Payson responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Route 3 in Bar Harbor but was unable to locate the vehicle.
Sgt. Dickens assisted someone in Bar Harbor with securing temporary lodging.
Officer Payson failed to locate the source of a noise complaint in Bar Harbor.
After receiving a report of a juvenile walking on the road in Mount Desert, Officer Payson was unable to locate the juvenile.
Someone reported being “assaulted with food” by a restaurant patron on Main Street in Bar Harbor as the complainant drove by in his vehicle. The patron was not identified and had left the restaurant by the time Officer Keene got there.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Payson responded to a loud music complaint in the area of Rodick and Kennebec Streets in Bar Harbor, located the source of the music, and had the music volume lowered.
Sgt. Dickens assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with securing a landing zone for Life Flight at the Bar Harbor ferry terminal.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
A noise complaint after bar close in Bar Harbor was deemed unsubstantiated by Officer Keene.
After a man was reported to be acting suspiciously in Bar Harbor, Officer Keene observed him as he walked back to his residence and observed no concerning actions.
Officer Ted Cake warned a woman for disorderly conduct in Bar Harbor.
Officer T. Cake spoke with some Mount Desert residents who wanted some information to be documented.
Officer Burnett assisted a caretaker in Northeast Harbor with securing a property.
After receiving a noise complaint in Northeast Harbor, Officer Keene asked the household that was the source of the noise to turn their music off for the evening.
After receiving a report of gunshots in Bar Harbor, Officer Payson determined that it was a transformer blowing up.
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Payson arrested Ronald Mejia, 40, of Trenton, for operating under the influence.
Officer Stanwood received a noise complaint from a Bar Harbor campground, but it was a late report and the noise was no longer occurring. Officer Stanwood advised the caller to call back when the noise was happening.
After receiving information regarding a possibly suicidal person in Bar Harbor, Sgt. Soren Sundberg checked on the person and found them not to be suicidal.
Officer Torrey assisted a man with getting back into his apartment in Northeast Harbor.
Officer Torrey responded to a dog in a car complaint in Mount Desert but the vehicle was gone when she arrived.
Sgt. Dickens is investigating a complaint of an unlicensed taxi/tour company operating in Bar Harbor.
After receiving a report of an open door at a closed Bar Harbor business, officers searched the building and secured the doors.
Officer Payson handled a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor but could not locate the vehicle.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Following a complaint regarding speeding vehicles on Sound drive in Mount Desert, a directed patrol has been initiated.
Someone reported a parking complaint in Bar Harbor but the issue resolved itself before an officer could respond.
A possible fight was reported to be taking place at the Bar Harbor town pier but when Officer Burnett arrived, he found it to be just a group of friends messing around.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR AND TREMONT
The following incidents occurred in Southwest Harbor or Tremont last week according to the Southwest Harbor Police Department police log, which is publicly released information.
Monday, September 15, 2025
A Tremont business reported some fraud to Officer Bradley Russell.
Officer Russell responded to a report of an injured deer in the roadway in Southwest Harbor. The deer was gone when he arrived and a bystander told him that the deer had jumped up and run off into the woods.
Two dogs were reported to be running loose around Cedar Lane in Southwest Harbor, but Officer Russell could not locate the dogs.
After receiving a 911 call reporting an assault occurring in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded, investigated, and arrested Cody Bracy, 30, for assault.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Officer Russell responded to Tremont for a report of a suspicious person walking along the road but failed to locate the person or anything out of the ordinary.
Officer Rick Graham assisted with traffic control while the ambulance service responded to a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Graham responded with the ambulance service to Tremont to provide assistance lifting the patient.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Sgt. Ryan Blakeney responded to a reported disturbance in Tremont.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Officer James Kamorski went with a worker from AMHC (Aroostook Mental Health Center) to evaluate someone in Southwest Harbor who was experiencing a mental health crisis. Officer Kamorski took the person into protective custody and they were involuntarily committed for further treatment.
Sgt. Blakeney responded to Tremont with the ambulance service but was told that he was no longer needed before he arrived.
Officer Russell fingerprinted someone at the Southwest Harbor Police Department at the person’s request.
Officer Kamorski served court paperwork to a Southwest Harbor resident.
Officer Kamorski responded to a report of a possible assault in Southwest Harbor and was able to resolve the issue.
Officer Kamorski received a request to rescind a trespass warning from someone in Tremont.
Officer Kamorski assisted the ambulance service in Tremont.
Friday, September 19, 2025
Officer Russell spoke with someone in Southwest Harbor about a civil issue and explained their options to them.
Officer Russell fingerprinted someone at the Southwest Harbor Police Department at the person’s request.
A vehicle was reported to have been driven into a ditch in Tremont and Officer Russell responded and called a tow truck for the vehicle.
A Southwest Harbor business reported that they were closing for the season and requested security checks be performed at the business.
Officer Russell performed a requested security check at a Southwest Harbor business.
After receiving an alarm for a Southwest Harbor business, Officer Russell responded and checked the building finding no issues. He then called the business owner and informed them of the alarm and his findings.
Officer Russell assisted the ambulance service in Southwest Harbor.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Officer Kamorski helped a Southwest Harbor resident get back into their apartment after they had locked themselves out.
After receiving a complaint about a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded but could not locate the vehicle.
Someone in Southwest Harbor reported that a person who was intoxicated was preparing to drive. Officer Russell responded, spoke with the person who was preparing to drive, and gave them a ride home.
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Someone in Southwest Harbor reported to the police department that they had captured a suspicious person on their security camera the day prior and wanted the police department to be aware.
Officer Kamorski responded to a report of an injured deer in Tremont and had to euthanize the deer due to its injuries. The deer was given to a resident.
Someone brought a dog that they had found on the Herrick Road in Southwest Harbor to the police department and after the department posted a picture of the dog on Facebook, the owner retrieved the dog.
Officer Kamorski responded to a vehicle complaint in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the vehicle.
After receiving a report of a loose dog on Seal Cove Road in Southwest Harbor, Officer Kamorski tried to find the dog but could not.
After receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle in Tremont, Officer Kamorski responded and moved the person along.
STATE POLICE PRESS RELEASES
These are the Maine State Police press releases from the last few days. The Bar Harbor Story will include these each week though most (and sometimes all) do not occur on Mount Desert Island.
Maine Drug Enforcement Arrests One for Aggravated Drug Trafficking
LEWISTON—On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, following an investigation into drug trafficking in Lewiston, one person was arrested and charged with class A aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs. The charges were aggravated by drug weight.
Rayven Satele, 21, of Lewiston, was arrested and taken to the Androscoggin County Jail and charged with three counts of aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs. Bail set at $10,000.
Early Tuesday morning, following a weeklong investigation, MDEA’s Lewiston-based task force, executed a search warrant at 50 Fairmount Street in Lewiston. The investigation included undercover purchases of methamphetamine from the apartment owner, Satelle.
As a result of the search warrant agents seized 372ggw of methamphetamine, 189 ggw of cocaine base (crack), 186 ggw of fentanyl, and a device used to press drugs into kilogram bricks. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be over $75,000.
During the investigation agents were assisted by the Lewiston Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
Maine State Police Makes Arrest in Palermo Homicide
PALERMO—On April 19, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Maine State Police responded to 128 Boots and Saddle Road in Palermo for a welfare check. Upon arrival, troopers discovered the body of 56-year-old Robert Bruso, of Palermo, outside of the residence. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit Central determined the circumstances of the death to be suspicious, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta later ruled the manner of death a homicide.
On September 18, 2025, detectives charged 58-year-old Kirby Bradford, of Liberty, with murder in connection with Bruso’s death. Bradford, who was being held at the Kennebec County Jail on unrelated charges, made his initial appearance on September 18, at 1:00 p.m., in Waldo County Superior Court.
Bruso owned a golden retriever named Lenny, who has not yet been located. Anyone with information about the location of Lenny, or who may have seen a golden retriever in the area of Route 3 near Boots and Saddle Road and/or Level Hill Road in Palermo, is asked to contact the Augusta Regional Communication Center at 207-624-7076.
Maine Drug Enforcement Arrests Three for Aggravated Drug Trafficking
PORTLAND—On Thursday, September 18, 2025, following an investigation into drug trafficking in Portland, three people were arrested and charged with class A aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs. The charges were aggravated by drug weight and the presence of firearms.
Arrested and taken to the Cumberland County Jail were:
Dashawn Allen, 34, of Roxbury, MA, charged with aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs, unlawful trafficking in schedule W drugs, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. At the time of his arrest Allen also had an active arrest warrant for unlawful trafficking schedule W drugs. No bail was set.
Jaden Grant, 21, of Somerville, MA, charged with aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs, unlawful trafficking in schedule W drugs, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. No bail was set.
Michael Ray, 71, of Portland, charged with aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs and unlawful trafficking in schedule W drugs. No bail was set.
Thursday afternoon, September 18, following a year-long investigation, MDEA’s Portland-based Cumberland District task force, executed a search warrant at 23 Hanover Street Apartment 1R. The investigation included undercover purchases of illegal drugs from Allen. Due to heightened risk factors, Portland Police Department’s Special Reaction Team secured the apartment prior to the search.
As a result of the search warrant agents seized 622ggw of fentanyl, 175 ggw of cocaine base (crack), 45ggw cocaine HCL, 145ggw methamphetamine, two loaded handguns, and over $5600 in suspected drug proceeds. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be over $100,000.
During the investigation agents were assisted by the Portland Police Department and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county, and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs in the State of Maine.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you suffer with substance use disorder please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.
If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.
I-295 Crash in Portland Leads to OUI Arrest
PORTLAND—On Friday, September 19, 2025, at approximately 10:37 p.m., a South Portland police officer had a vehicle stopped on the southbound side of I-295 when she observed a Ford F-250 heading northbound at an excessive speed. A short time later, the truck, operated by 25-year-old Taylor Delano, of Wiscasset, crashed into an Acura who was traveling in the same direction.
The Ford overturned, broke through a guardrail, and came to rest against several trees. Delano and his passenger were transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland with minor injuries. The driver of the Acura was also transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
Delano is charged with OUI-1 Prior, OUI revoked-3 priors, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, and a probation hold. Speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. I-295 northbound was reduced to one lane for several hours while Stewart’s Towing removed the vehicle from the embankment.
Fatal Fire in Portland Under Investigation
PORTLAND—On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at approximately 2:17 a.m., the Portland Fire Department responded to a fire at 43 St. Lawrence Street, a three-story, four-unit apartment building. All units were occupied at the time. Portland Police also responded, and the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office was later called to assist.
Fire crews encountered heavy fire conditions on the rear porch of the building and confirmed that evacuation efforts were underway. During suppression efforts, two individuals were found deceased inside the structure. Both were transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where autopsies will be performed to determine cause of death and establish positive identification.
The two deceased people located within the building are believed to be 45-year-old Nicole Niehoff and 40-year-old Jake Millett, both of Portland. Positive identification is pending confirmation by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Investigators from the Fire Marshal’s Office, working in coordination with Portland Fire Department and Portland Police Department, conducted an origin and cause investigation throughout the day. The fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information or video related to the incident is asked to contact the Portland Police Department at (207) 874-8575 or the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office at (207) 626- 3870. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to displaced tenants.
Fire investigators from the Office of State Fire Marshal and the Portland Fire Department, working in conjunction with the Portland Police Department, continue to investigate the cause of the fire that occurred at a four-unit apartment complex in Portland on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Preliminary findings indicate the fire originated on the rear second-floor porch area of the building before spreading into the interior of the structure, causing significant damage. At this time, fire investigators are confident that no foul play is suspected.
The investigation remains active. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Windham House Fire
WINDHAM—On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., investigators from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to 33 Highland Cliff Road in Windham at the request of the Windham Fire Department.
Fire crews had been called to a fire at the residence. No one was injured. The home sustained fire damage to the rear portion of the structure. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Maine State Police Investigating Homicide in Corinth
CORINTH—In the early morning hours of Sunday, September 21, 2025, Maine State Police Troopers from the Northern Field Troop responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots in the area of 272 Main Street in Corinth.
When troopers arrived, they located a wounded adult male outside of the residence. Troopers provided life-saving measures, and the individual was transported by LifeFlight to a local hospital where he is currently listed in critical condition.
Troopers made entry into a nearby apartment believed to be connected to the incident. Inside, they discovered a deceased male. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit North and members of the Evidence Response Team were called to the scene to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta where on Monday, September 22, 2025, an autopsy was conducted. The deceased was identified as 46-year-old Scott Roberts, of Glenburn. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
At this time, no arrests have been made however investigators believe this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public. The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North at (207) 973-3700, extension 9, and request to speak with Detective Jake Ferland. Information related to this case may also be submitted to the Major Crimes Unit North via an online tip portal. https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/about/report-crime/major-crimes-unit-north
HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
The following are the public releases from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Each image can be clicked on and expanded.
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