Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Dec 17, 2025
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by The Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund.
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION—The police in many area towns have taken complaints from residents about people going from door-to-door asking for power bills and representing an energy company.
Some area residents spoke of frustration with the demeanor of the solicitors, mentioning going to the door with shotguns, bug spray, and how the people knocking on doors won’t take no for an answer.
Southwest Harbor Police Sgt. Ryan Blakeney said, Wednesday, that every year they get calls about this sort of solicitation.
“I know we’ve had a few calls in the last few days, including one I had this morning. The one I had this morning sounded less professional,” Sgt. Blakeney said.
They have different interactions with the companies every year. Some have very official materials, demeanor, and resumes. Some do not.
If people have questions about what company solicitors coming to their door are representing—or if they are truly company representatives, then they should contact that company directly to verify that, Sgt. Blakeney said.
If someone is misrepresenting themselves and the company they work for, he said, or if they feel threatened, they should note the person’s vehicle, if any, and description, and contact their local law enforcement officer.
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, December 9, 2025
Officer Amie Torrey received a report of a dead deer floating in the water off the Shore Path in Bar Harbor. The deer was left in the water.
Officer Virginia Helton delivered a bucket of sand to a Mount Desert resident.
Officer Torrey investigated a reported dog bite in Bar Harbor which turned out to be a case of a split lip from the dog and the human accidentally butting heads.
Officer Nathan Formby assisted the Bar Harbor ambulance on a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
At the request of the highway department, Officer Lukas Keene located the owner of a vehicle in Bar Harbor that needed to be moved for snow removal and had the vehicle moved.
Officer Judson Cake received a report of a vehicle violating the winter parking ban in Mount Desert and issued the vehicle a parking ticket for the violation after being unable to contact the owner.
Officer Keene gave someone a ride home from the hospital in Bar Harbor.
Officer Liam Harrington assisted with traffic control at the Conners Emerson school zone in Bar Harbor due to a delayed school opening.
Officer Ted Cake received a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert that was passed on from the Southwest Harbor Police Department, but he was not in the area to look for the vehicle.
After receiving a report of an open door on a building in Bar Harbor that is unoccupied, Officer T. Cake cleared the building and determined that the door had blown open from the high winds.
After receiving a report of uncollected mail in Bar Harbor, Officer Harrington investigated and determined that the mail had been delivered to the wrong address.
A Bar Harbor resident reported attempted identify theft to Officer Harrington.
Someone in Bar Harbor reported suspicious activity by someone else to Officer Keene.
Officer Kaleb Payson came across a low hanging wire in Mount Desert and contacted Consolidated Communications to remedy the issue.
An officer conducted a security check at a Bar Harbor business.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Officer Kevin Edgecomb responded to Echo Lake on Route 102 in Mount Desert for a report of a woman swimming in the cold and wind. Officer Edgecomb located no swimmers but could see tire tracks indicating that a vehicle had recently left the area.
Officer Payson assisted another agency with making contact with someone in Bar Harbor.
Officer Justin Burnett assisted the Bar Harbor ambulance with a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Officer Keene took a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Chris Dickens escorted a tractor trailer hauling a piece of equipment through downtown Bar Harbor.
Officer Helton summoned Edward Black, 54, of Stockton Springs, for operating after suspension and violating conditions of release in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Dickens met with a Bar Harbor resident to review parking plans for a private event in Bar Harbor.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Officer Helton took a report of a landlord/tenant issue in Bar Harbor that she determined was civil in nature.
Officer Helton performed a well-being check in Bar Harbor and found no issues.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Troy Stanwood summoned Robert Egenstafer, 21, of Fort Fairfield, for operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
Officer Stanwood assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department at a chimney fire in Bar Harbor.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Stanwood summoned a 17-year-old from Trenton for possession of marijuana by a minor and speeding. The girl was released to a guardian.
A Bar Harbor resident spoke with Officer Torrey about someone who is in Bar Harbor.
Monday, December 15, 2025
Officer T. Cake delivered a bucket of sand to a Mount Desert resident.
Officer T. Cake responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Town Hill but could not locate the vehicle.
Officer Elias Burne responded to a mental health crisis in Bar Harbor.
Officer Burne provided someone in Bar Harbor with a ride.
Officer Harrington performed a vehicle identification number verification for a Bar Harbor business.
Officer T. Cake assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department and Maine DOT with a downed guy wire in Bar Harbor at the head of the island.
Someone reported a motor vehicle complaint on the Beech Hill Road in Mount Desert. No officers were available to handle the complaint and the complainant wanted the matter on file.
Officer Payson assisted the Mount Desert Fire Department with a chimney fire in Mount Desert.
Someone in Bar Harbor was transported to the hospital after a requesting an ambulance due to illness. Officer Keene assisted on this call.
Officer Payson responded to a report of gunshots in Mount Desert but could not locate any gunshots in the area of the report.
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, December 8, 2025
Officer Bradley Russell sanded a walkway for a Southwest Harbor resident as part of the Sand for Seniors program.
Officer Kristen Roulet looked for a vehicle in Southwest Harbor that was reportedly being operated with no taillights. She could not locate the vehicle.
A Tremont resident called the Southwest Harbor Police Department and reported that their heater was not functioning and that it was cold. Officer Roulet contacted the caller who stated that their daughter was on her way to pick them up and take them somewhere that was warm.
Someone in Southwest Harbor reported to Officer Russell that they thought someone else was violating their bail conditions. Officer Russell responded and spoke with the complainant and there was no further issue.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Officer Rick Graham assisted a Tremont resident with getting their large, sick dog to the veterinarian’s office.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Officer Russell performed a traffic detail at the Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell responded to a reported dog at large in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the dog.
After receiving a complaint of a vehicle that had been abandoned in a Tremont driveway, Officer Russell spoke with the complainant and then located the driver of the vehicle.
Officer Russell received a motor vehicle complaint from someone in Southwest Harbor but the complaint was not in Southwest Harbor so Officer Russell passed the complaint along to the appropriate agency.
Officer Russell assisted another agency in Tremont.
Officer Russell gave a ride to three people who were walking in the rain in Tremont.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
After receiving a report of a burglar alarm in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded and met with the caretaker. It had been a false alarm.
After receiving a complaint regarding someone in Southwest Harbor walking along the roadside in the rain, Officer Russell responded and gave the person a ride home.
Officer James Kamorski responded to a burglar alarm in Tremont and determined that it was a false alarm.
After receiving a complaint regarding a dead deer in Tremont, Officer Kamorski responded and made arrangements to have the deer removed.
As part of the Good Morning program, Officer Kamorski performed a well-being check on someone in Tremont. Officer Kamorski did not make contact with the person to be checked on, but the person called the police station back later and said that they were fine and had been at the doctor’s office.
Sgt. Ryan Blakeney is investigating a report made in Southwest Harbor of possible fraud.
Friday, December 12, 2025
Officer Kamorski responded to a residential burglar alarm in Southwest Harbor and determined that it was a false alarm.
Officer Russell performed a traffic detail at the Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell delivered a bucket of sand to a Southwest Harbor resident as part of the Sand for Seniors program.
Officer Roulet participated in the chili cook off in Southwest Harbor as a judge.
Officer Roulet assisted the ambulance service on a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Someone from Tremont called 911 and reported that their furnace had stopped working. The Southwest Harbor dispatcher gave them information to help them get the furnace fixed.
A second 911 call from Tremont was received with the caller reporting that their furnace had stopped working. The Southwest Harbor dispatcher gave them information to help them get the furnace fixed.
Officer Rick Graham participated in a “Fill an Ambulance” food drive with the ambulance service in Southwest Harbor.
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Officer Kamorski responded to a report of an injured deer in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the deer.
After receiving a report of a suspicious person in Tremont, Officer Kamorski responded and determined that the person was not committing any crimes.
Officer Kamorski is investigating a report of a car and deer motor vehicle accident in Southwest Harbor where the vehicle left the scene of he crash.
CAR/DEER CRASHES
Due to time constraints, we do not write about car/deer crashes or minor vehicle crashes such as parking lot or parked vehicle/moving vehicle collisions. We do realize that many readers are interested in car/deer collisions, so we will be listing them by town and roadway here.
BAR HARBOR — None reported.
MOUNT DESERT — None reported.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR — (2) Main Street and location not given
TREMONT — (1) Tremont Road
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.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fatal Fire in Windsor
WINDSOR—On Monday, December 8, 2025, at approximately 5:58 p.m., the Windsor Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 489 Ridge Road in Windsor. Upon arrival, fire units encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the residence. Due to information suggesting that an occupant may have been trapped inside, the State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist at the scene.
During the subsequent search, fire investigators and fire department personnel located a deceased female inside the residence. The victim is believed to be 77-year-old Lorraine Knox who lived at the home. Investigators and firefighters remained on scene for much of the evening working to determine the cause of the fire.
At this time, the fire remains under investigation. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta will conduct an examination to determine the cause of death and positively confirm identification. It was reported that Knox had been experiencing furnace issues and was using electric heaters to warm the residence during the recent cold weather.
Residents are reminded to take precautions to stay safe while heating their homes during cold weather:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, never leave them unattended, and avoid using extension cords.
- Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home and test them monthly.
- Know your home’s fire escape plan and make sure all household members are familiar with it.
- Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
- Have your heating system inspected and maintained regularly.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms centrally outside each sleeping area, on every level, and near fuel-burning appliances.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fort Fairfield Apartment Fire that Displaced Three Tenants
FORT FAIRFIELD—On Monday, December 8, 2025, at approximately 8:14 a.m., the Fort Fairfield Fire Department responded to a fire at a three-unit apartment building located at 46 Fort Hill Street in Fort Fairfield. The fire displaced three male tenants, one from each apartment. Two cats were lost in the fire.
One of the second-floor tenants returned home and noticed smoke coming from the upstairs. After finding heavy smoke on the second-floor landing and fire coming from the top of his apartment door, he retreated outside and called 911. The other second-floor tenant encountered smoke and flames blocking the exit from his apartment. He escaped by breaking a window, climbing onto the roof, and sliding down to the ground. He sustained injuries to his legs. The first-floor tenant was able to exit safely after discovering smoke in his apartment.
The state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Fort Fairfield Fire and Rescue responded with mutual aid from Presque Isle Fire, Caribou Fire and Ambulance, Limestone Fire, Easton Fire, Perth-Andover (NB) Fire, and McGillan’s Construction.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fire in South Berwick
SOUTH BERWICK—On Monday, December 8, 2025, at approximately 11:39 p.m., the South Berwick Fire Department and Police Department responded to a reported fire with a burn victim at 34 Boatyard Lane in South Berwick. The victim drove approximately one mile to Cumberland Farms, where he called for help.
Upon arrival at the original location, first responders discovered a small makeshift structure constructed of lumber and tarps that had been completely consumed by fire. The South Berwick Fire Department requested assistance from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office to conduct an origin and cause investigation.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office examined the scene and located a small portable propane heater and two spent propane cylinders near the area of origin. Based on the scene examination and available information, the fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by the improper installation and use of the portable propane heater.
The victim, identified as 78-year-old Steven Goodall, had been staying in the shelter. He suffered second-degree burns. He was initially transported to a local hospital and later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he is listed in serious but stable condition. This incident remains under review by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fire in Wayne
WAYNE—On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at approximately 6:25 p.m., the Wayne Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 29 Wood Road in Wayne. Shortly after arrival, the house was found to be fully engulfed in flames.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to assist with the fire investigation. All occupants of the home were able to exit the residence safely. One individual sustained minor injury and was transported by Winthrop Ambulance to a local hospital for medical evaluation.
Due to the extent of fire damage, the cause is undetermined. However, the investigation is ongoing. Several mutual aid departments were needed to extinguish the fire.
Structure Fire Under Investigation in Palermo
PALERMO—On Monday, December 15, 2025, at approximately 11:25 p.m., the Palermo Fire Department received a report of a structure fire at a residence located at 98 Leeman Arm Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home fully involved with fire. Fire personnel located a severely burned adult male in the roadway near the residence who had escaped the fire prior to their arrival.
The individual was transported by ambulance to Maine General Hospital and was later transported via LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center where he is in critical condition. The injured male informed firefighters that one additional person remained inside the residence.
Fire crews-initiated operations while being assisted by several neighboring fire departments and area ambulance services. The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene with a team of six investigators. Recovery efforts for the second victim are ongoing, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Fire investigators recovered a deceased individual on the morning of December 16 from the fire scene located at Leeman Arm Road in Palermo. The body has been transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for positive identification and determination of the cause of death.
Investigators believe there may have been an explosion inside the residence prior to the fire. The home was supplied with propane gas for appliances and heating. State Propane Inspectors assisted Investigators at the scene, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fire at Greenville Masonic Hall
GREENVILLE—On Monday, December 15, 2025, at approximately 1:07 a.m., the Greenville Fire Department responded to a fire at the Greenville Masonic Hall, located at 281 Pritham Avenue in Greenville, Maine. The Greenville Fire Department, along with mutual aid fire departments arrived to find heavy fire conditions. Once the fire was suppressed and the scene was stabilized, investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to assist.
The fire was determined to have originated in the basement kitchen area of the structure. Due to the extent of fire damage, the specific ignition source and cause could not be identified. Based on the available information, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was the result of an intentional act.
Wrong Way Driver Arrested on Turnpike in Kennebunk
KENNEBUNK—On Sunday, December 14, 2025, at approximately 1:18 a.m., troopers were dispatched to reports of a wrong-way driver traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of the Maine Turnpike near Kennebunk. A subsequent 911 call reported that the vehicle, a white 2023 Honda Civic, had crashed into the median at mile marker 24 in Kennebunk.
Troopers responded and located the vehicle. The operator was not injured but was evaluated at the scene by Kennebunk Rescue. The operator showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. He was identified as 22-year-old Lester Medina of Manchester, New Hampshire, and was transported to the York County Jail. He was charged with aggravated reckless conduct, criminal OUI, and driving to endanger.
Kennebunk Rescue and the Maine Turnpike Authority assisted on scene. Southbound lanes one and two were temporarily closed during the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.
Victims Identified in Fatal Turnpike Crash
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at approximately 4:26 a.m., Maine State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-95 southbound near mile marker 71 in New Gloucester. Upon arrival, troopers located a serious crash involving a 2017 GMC Acadia towing a U-Haul trailer and a 2015 Audi SUV. The preliminary investigation indicates that the GMC, which was traveling southbound, became detached from the trailer ball remaining connected only by safety chains. The driver of the GMC pulled to the right shoulder and stopped, with the trailer still partially in the roadway.
Six people were in the GMC, including four children ranging in age from 7 to 14, all from Lewiston. Four occupants, an adult male driver, an adult female passenger, and two of the four children exited the vehicle and were attempting to address issues with the trailer when a southbound 2015 Audi SUV struck the trailer and the GMC from behind.
The adult female was pronounced deceased at the scene. The adult male driver suffered critical injuries and was transported to Maine Medical Center, where he later died. The two children who were outside the vehicle sustained minor injuries. The two children who remained inside the GMC also suffered minor injuries. All four children were transported to Maine Medical Center.
The driver of the Audi, an adult male from Wales sustained minor injuries. He was transported to Maine Medical Center where he was treated and released. No charges are being filed against the driver at this time.
On December 16, 2025, the Maine Department of Public Safety released the names of the two individuals who died in the November 19, 2025, crash now that next of kin has been located and notified.
The name of the driver is 48-year-old Cristovao Cibangu, of Lewiston, and the passenger is 34-year-old Maria Isabel, of Lewiston. The crash remains under investigation.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy of Maine Department of Public Safety.
Discover more from Bar Harbor Story
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.