Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Mar 31, 2026
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Restaurant Barn.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On March 27, someone walked into the Southwest Harbor Police Department and reported a possible bear sighting near their Southwest Harbor residence.
Officer Kristen Roulet passed the possible sighting on to the proper authorities.
Multiple bears started being seen and captured in photographs in different areas of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in 2025 in the spring.
Multiple towns and Acadia National Park have posted tips about how to minimize bear incidents on properties.
According to Acadia National Park Management Assistant John Kelly, most of the sightings in the park last year had been in the Jordan Pond area. Since mid-June, people on social media have reported seeing a bear on the Kane Path, Dorr South Ridge Trail, Bald Peak Trail, and Cadillac Mountain.
The National Park Service writes, “The chances of seeing a black bear in Acadia are only slightly higher than seeing a moose. Unlike moose, there is a small permanent population of black bears on the island. Every year, there are scattered reports of black bears on Mount Desert Island.”
According to Bear Wise, black bears, which is the kind of bear in Maine, typically give birth in January and February, with cubs typically weighing less than a pound.
According to the State of Maine, black bears generally hibernate from December to April, although they are not true hibernators because they can occasionally leave their dens during that period for short amounts of time. This means that there is a low likelihood of any of the bears on MDI being seen until spring. When spring does come around, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Regional Wildlife Biologist Steve Dunham had some tips to help alleviate issues this year.
“I would like to remind folks on the island that the best way to prevent future issues is to secure all potential sources of food on a property including bird feed, animal feed, trash, grills, etc. Using electric fencing around chickens and livestock is highly recommended. Dumpster doors can be modified to be more resistant to bears and should (be) latched shut (also prevents other animals from getting in),” Dunham wrote for a previous Bar Harbor Story article.
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.
Monday, March 23, 2026
Officer Ted Cake transported someone in Bar Harbor at the person’s request.
Officer Kaleb Payson spoke with someone in Mount Desert regarding a potential harassment issue and after investigation determined that no crime had occurred.
Sgt. Doug Brundrett responded to a complaint about aggressive dogs being left unattended in a vehicle that was parked at a Cottage Street business in Bar Harbor. Sgt. Brundrett arrived and determined that the dogs were not being aggressive and spoke with the owner of the dogs and he said he would be more mindful of leaving his dogs unattended when he was out and about.
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Gleason spoke with an elderly Bar Harbor resident about unmet needs.
Officer Payson received a report of suspicious activity at a Mount Desert residence.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Justin Burnett arrested Jeremy Everly, 44, of Trenton for violation of conditions of release. Everly was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Mental Health Liaison Gleason spoke with someone in Mount Desert about stressful life circumstances.
Officer Liam Harrington was trying to locate someone in Bar Harbor on behalf of another law enforcement agency but the person was contacted by the requesting agency prior to Officer Harrington locating them.
Officer T. Cake received a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert, located the vehicle at the operator’s residence, and made them aware of the complaint.
Officer Payson assisted an outside agency in Bar Harbor.
A vehicle snagged some phone lines on the Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor. Officer Payson responded, removed the lines form the roadway, and contacted Consolidated Communications.
Officer T. Cake documented a possible scam complaint from someone in Bar Harbor who wanted it on record.
Following a report of someone slumped on the steering wheel of a vehicle in a Bar Harbor business parking lot, Officer Lukas Keene checked on the driver and found that they had been awake all night and were resting before driving any further.
Officer Burnett responded to a report of prowlers at a Bar Harbor residence. Upon arrival, he determined that the prowlers were renters who had gone to the wrong address thinking that it was their vacation rental.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Sgt. Brundrett inspected a taxi in Bar Harbor for town permitting purposes.
Mental Health Liaison Gleason held open community hours at both the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor and the Northeast Harbor Library.
Sgt. Chris Dickens took a report regarding an issue between two people in Bar Harbor and provided a number of suggestions to remedy the situation.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Officer Amie Torrey responded to a check the well-being of a man in his vehicle in Mount Desert and found that man was deceased by apparent suicide.
Officer Troy Stanwood responded to a medical call in Mount Desert.
Officer Stanwood is investigating a reported theft in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood performed a vehicle identification number verification for a tow company in Bar Harbor.
After responding to a report of a theft at a Cottage Street business in Bar Harbor, Sgt. Dickens arrested Jayleen Moores, 18, of East Machias. Moores was also charged with criminal trespass, permitting unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and illegal possession of alcohol by a minor. Moores was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Nathan Formby responded to a report of gunshots in the area of Norway Drive in Bar Harbor and identified the property owner that was involved.
Sgt. Dickens issued someone in Bar Harbor a warning for smoking marijuana in a public space.
Officer Formby removed a large amount of trash from a Bar Harbor roadway.
Friday, March 27, 2026
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Formby arrested Wyatt Davis, 29, of Mount Desert, for operating under the influence. Davis was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
After investigating a reported theft at a Bar Harbor business, Officer Stanwood arrested Joseph MacQuinn, 59, of Bar Harbor for theft by unauthorized taking. MacQuinn was released with a summons.
After responding to check well-being in Bar Harbor, officers located a person who was deceased by apparent suicide.
Officer Payson addressed a littering issue in Mount Desert.
After receiving a report regarding a broken-down vehicle in Mount Desert, Officer Payson checked on the driver and found that they were all set and did not need any assistance.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Payson issued Noah Morse, 25, of Palermo a summons for criminal speed.
Officer Zack Kline assisted a motorist with a dead battery on Main Street in Bar Harbor.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Someone gave Officer Payson information in Bar Harbor.
Someone in Bar Harbor reported that someone else was driving on a suspended license and Officer Payson determined that the complaint was unfounded.
Officer Harrington took a theft complaint in Mount Desert and the complainant later determined that their property had not been stolen.
Mount Desert Island public safety agencies provided an escort for the state champion MDI High School Drama Club.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Someone borrowed the Bar Harbor Police Department’s battery jumper pack but it did not work for getting their vehicle started.
Officer Formby performed a well-being check on someone in Bar Harbor and found them to be all set.
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, March 23, 2026
Sgt. Rick Graham responded with the ambulance service to a medical call in Southwest Harbor and provided a lift assist.
Sgt. Graham and the Southwest Harbor Fire Department responded to the area of Clark Point Road and Maple Avenue in Southwest Harbor for the report of a smell of gas. A vehicle was located behind the post office that had a fuel leak and the vehicles was towed to a garage.
Sgt. Graham responded with the ambulance service to a medical call in Tremont and provided a lift assist.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Someone reported a dead deer in a ditch in Tremont and the Tremont Public Works Department removed the deer.
Officer Roulet handled a complaint between two Southwest Harbor neighbors who share a lawn. One neighbor confronted the other about not picking up after their dog when it defecates.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Officer Bradley Russell responded with the ambulance service to a medical call in Tremont.
Officer Russell performed a well-being check on a member of the Good Morning Program in Southwest Harbor and found that they had already left their home to run errands before the morning phone call.
Officer Russell performed a well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident and found them to be fine.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Sgt. Graham provided traffic control for a broken-down vehicle in Tremont until a tow truck was able to remove it.
Someone reported that a rock damaged their windshield in Southwest Harbor. The rock had fallen off a truck. Sgt. Graham is investigating the complaint.
Sgt. Graham found that a Town of Tremont building had been left unsecured, notified the key holder, and the building was secured.
Friday, March 27, 2026
Officer Roulet received a report of an alarm going off at a building in Tremont but the alarm was cancelled by the owner.
Officer Roulet performed a well-being check on a student who did not show up for school in Southwest Harbor and found them to be all set.
After being requested to do so, Officer Roulet performed a well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident. The person was fine but asked for some assistance with some possible resources, which Officer Roulet provided them with.
Officer Roulet assisted another law enforcement agency with an ongoing investigation in Tremont.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Officer Russell performed a well-being check on a member of the Good Morning Program in Tremont and found them to be fine.
Officer Russell conducted a special detail for the “No Kings” protest.
Someone reported a parking issue in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell had a ride along during part of his shift.
After receiving an open line 911 call in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell patrolled the area and saw nothing out of the ordinary.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Sgt. Graham performed a well-being check on a Tremont resident who is part of the Good Morning Program and found that they were not home.
Sgt. Graham performed a well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident who is part of the Good Morning Program and found that they were well.
Sgt. Graham is investigating a report of fraud made by a Tremont resident.
Sgt. Graham responded with the ambulance service to a medical call in Tremont.
The Southwest Harbor Police department received a report of an injured Canada goose in Tremont and transferred the call to the Maine Warden Service.
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 — (2) Crooked Road – Route 3
MOUNT DESERT — None reported.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR — None reported.
TREMONT — None reported.
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.
Medford Man Critically Injured Stopping to Help Driver on I-95
VEAZIE—On Monday, March 23, 2026, at approximately 7:02 p.m., Maine State Police responded to a crash on Interstate 95 northbound near mile marker 189 in Veazie. The initial investigation indicates that an 18-year-old female from Bangor, operating a 2013 Kia Sorento, lost control of her vehicle due to snowy road conditions and came to rest in the median. She exited the vehicle and was standing behind the guardrail when a 54-year-old man from Medford stopped to assist and joined her behind the guardrail.
His wife who was traveling with him called 911 while the two were outside of their vehicles. While both were outside their vehicles, they were struck by a passing vehicle operated by a 19-year-old female from Old Town, who lost control in the snowy conditions.
Preliminary information suggests the man may have attempted to shield the young driver at the time of the crash. Both pedestrians were thrown down an embankment. The 18-year-old sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The 54-year-old sustained serious injuries and remains in critical condition. The operator of the striking vehicle also sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Speed is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The incident remains under investigation.
Winslow Man Investigated by Maine State Police for Online Sexual Exploitation
WINSLOW—The Maine State Police Special Victims Unit initiated an investigation earlier this month after receiving a direct report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip originated from a 14-year-old girl in Florida who reported inappropriate online communication with an adult male.
The investigation involved 32-year-old Nicholas Nadeau, of Winslow, Maine, who is now deceased. At the time of his death, the investigation was in its preliminary stages. During that early phase, investigators identified evidence consistent with sexual exploitation offenses. Due to the death of Nadeau, the case has been closed, and no charges will be filed. Investigative resources will be focused on other active cases.
The Maine State Police recognize the courage of those who come forward in these types of cases. Their willingness to report these incidents plays an important role in protecting others and helping law enforcement identify and investigate these crimes. Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a similar incident is encouraged to report it to their local law enforcement agency or through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Fire Marshal’s Office Arrests West Bath Woman for Arson
WEST BATH—On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at approximately 5:45 p.m., 38-year-old Grace Burnham, of West Bath, was arrested at her home in connection with a fire that occurred on March 14, 2026, at the same residence. The fire destroyed a small barn that was being used to house goats. No animals were injured in the incident.
Burnham was transported to Two Bridges Regional Jail and charged with arson, failure to report or control a dangerous fire, and animal cruelty. The investigation was conducted by the Fire Marshals Office with assistance from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department and the West Bath Animal Control Officer.
Arrest Made in Connection with 2022 Howland Corner Store Fire
HOWLAND—On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at approximately 9:08 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at the Howland Corner Store in Howland. Upon arrival, first responders observed active fire conditions and signs of rapid-fire development shortly after the store had closed for the evening.
Following an extensive criminal and financial investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, a Penobscot County Grand Jury has indicted 39-year-old Samantha Randall, of Howland, on charges of arson in connection with the fire. Randall was arrested on Friday, March 27, 2026, on an arrest warrant related to the indictment.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests or charges are expected. Anyone with information related to this incident or any suspected arson is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office Arson Tip Line at 1-888-870-6162.
Maine State Police Arrests Deer Isle Man Following Search in Domestic Violence Investigation
SEDGEWICK—On Thursday March 26, troopers from the Northern Field Troop responded to a domestic violence complaint in Sedgewick. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old Caleb Heanssler, of Deer Isle, was located after a search of a wooded area at a residence in Deer Isle. Heanssler was arrested without further incident.
Heanssler was charged with domestic violence stalking, four counts of violation of conditions of release, violation of protection order and for an outstanding arrest warrant for domestic violence terrorizing.
The Maine Warden Service, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and members from the Maine State Police Tactical Team assisted the Northern Field Troop with the investigation and arrest.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fire that Injured Juvenile in Topsham
TOPSHAM—On Friday, March 27, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Topsham Police Department responded to a residence on Coot Lane in Topsham following a report of a juvenile with severe burn injuries. Upon arrival, first responders located a 12-year-old male seated on the front porch of the residence suffering from extensive burns to his body.
Emergency personnel immediately transported the juvenile to Maine Medical Center in Portland. He was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
A second juvenile who was present at the time of the incident was transported by a parent to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. That individual was treated and released.
The preliminary investigation indicates the juveniles were attempting to start a fire in a fire pit when gasoline was used to accelerate ignition. An apparant flash fire occurred involving the gasoline can, resulting in fuel being spilled onto the injured 12-year-old juvenile and igniting. This incident remains under investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Arrests Two Individuals in Belfast Arson Fire
BELFAST—On Friday, March 27, 2026, at approximately 2:45 a.m., the Belfast Fire and Police Department were dispatched to 81 Patterson Hill Road in Belfast for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, Belfast Police observed a fully involved structure fire. Nearby, they also located two individuals, identified as 19-year-old Isaac Cummings and 19-year-old Rowan Locke, both of Belfast.
Due to the circumstances presented on scene, investigators with State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested to respond. A fire scene examination and numerous interviews were conducted. It was determined the fire was intentionally set. The investigation into the fire continued throughout the day with the assistance of the Belfast Police Detective Division.
On the afternoon of March 27, 2026, Investigators with the Fire Marshal’s Office charged Cummings and Locke with arson. Both were transported to the Somerset County Jail where they are being held on $10,000 cash bail.
MDEA Arrests New York Man for Aggravated Drug Trafficking.
PORTLAND—On Friday, March 27, 2026, agents from MDEA’s Cumberland District Task Force initiated an investigation into the interstate trafficking of cocaine, alongside officers from the South Portland Police Department. Information developed during that investigation led agents to conduct surveillance at an Airbnb on Emery Street in Portland, where Raymond Teran was observed coming and going.
A search warrant was sought for the Emery Street location in Portland and served by MDEA agents, Portland Police, and agents from the US DEA. Agents seized over 500 grams of cocaine (1.1 pounds), 13 grams of cocaine base (crack), over $38,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and additional evidence of illegal drug importation and sales. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is $22,000
Raymond H. Teran, 51, of Bronx, New York, was arrested during the service of this warrant and transported to the Cumberland County Jail, where he was held on $50,000 cash bail and is expected to make an initial appearance in court on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Teran was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled “W” drugs (cocaine), trafficking in scheduled “W” drugs (cocaine base), illegal importation of scheduled drugs (cocaine), and falsifying physical evidence.
Additional criminal charges are expected as this investigation continues to progress.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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 like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the State of Maine.
If you or someone you know suffers from 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.
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 cited, all photos courtesy of the Maine Department of Public Safety.
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