Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Apr 14, 2026
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ELLSWORTH—Last week, a Hancock County grand jury indicted Skylar Hughes, 29, of Ellsworth.
The charges in the April 9 indictment were connected to a police pursuit both by vehicle and by car.
The Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department pursued Hughes after being asked for assistance by the Ellsworth Police Department shortly before 1 a.m., February 9. The Ellsworth department asked the island officers to help find Hughes.
Hughes was a suspect in a domestic violence assault incident that had occurred in Ellsworth.
Officer Judson Cake spotted a BMW SUV on Sargeant Drive, in Mount Desert, that he and other Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department officers had been looking for.
When Officer Cake attempted to stop the BMW on the Summit Road, in Northeast Harbor, Hughes fled and a pursuit ensued.
The vehicle pursuit reached speeds of 80 mph and ended on Route 198 south of Abels Lane when Hughes drove over a pursuit termination device (tire deflating spikes) that had been deployed on Sound Drive (Route 198) by Officer Nathan Formby.
Hughes fled again, this time on foot.
Maine State Police officers had also been looking for Hughes’ vehicle and were in the area when the pursuit began, and, along with Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department officers, engaged in a foot pursuit. Hughes was located and apprehended in the woods off Butler Road.
Because of the alleged incidents, Hughes was indicted on charges of refusing to submit to arrest, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, speeding, driving to endanger, domestic violence assault, obstructing the report of a crime or injury, and criminal mischief. He is represented by Jacob Ferm, an Ellsworth attorney.
The following also were indicted by a Hancock County grand jury on April 9:
Cody Ames, 40, Orland, operating after revocation on March 4, 2026, in Orland.
Laurie Bourassa, 18, Bangor, burglary, criminal mischief and violation of condition of release on Sept. 26, 2025, in Bucksport.
Jennifer Bowen, 46, Addison, tampering with a victim on June 1, 2024 and July 16, 2024, in Ellsworth.
Justin Brazier, 39, Stonington, aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs on Dec. 10, 2025; unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs on Dec. 18, 2025; unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs on Dec. 23, 2026; aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs on Jan. 13, 2026, in Stonington.
Evan Connor, 37, Trenton, theft by unauthorized taking on Nov. 14, 2025, and Dec. 19, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Corey Crowley, 34, Penobscot, aggravated forgery on July 11, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Justin Eames, 44, Bar Harbor, theft by unauthorized taking on Nov. 4, 2025, and Jan. 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor.
Christina Fowler, 33, Bucksport, theft by unauthorized taking and criminal trespass on July 31, 2025, in Bucksport.
Philip Graceffa, 40, Brooksville, domestic violence assault on Nov. 3, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Jesse Grinnell, 36, Whiting, two counts of theft by unauthorized taking on Dec. 13, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Jamie Hardie, 25, Sunset, two counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs and one count each of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and criminal forfeiture on Dec. 5, 2025, in Deer Isle.
Michael Hodges, 34, Stonington, burglary and theft by unauthorized taking on Oct. 5, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Tabitha Jones, 28, Wellington, theft by unauthorized taking and violation of condition of release on Dec. 9, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Steve Kane Jr., 34, Bucksport, assault on an officer on March 12, 2026, in Ellsworth; burglary, violation of condition of release and criminal trespass on March 3, 2026, in Surry.
Andrew Rideout, 22, Sedgwick, theft by unauthorized taking on Dec. 28, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Nathaniel Sargent, 37, Bucksport, driving to endanger, unlawful possession of scheduled drugs and violation of condition of release on Sept. 6, 2025, in Bucksport.
Cayden Tibbetts, 23, West Enfield, burglary and criminal mischief on Sept. 26, 2025, in Bucksport.
Amy Trundy, 51, Hancock, four counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs and one count of criminal OUI on Dec. 26, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Michael Vogel, 52, Bangor, theft by unauthorized taking on Oct. 30, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Patricia Wood, 36, Enfield, theft by unauthorized taking on Nov. 1, 2025, in Ellsworth.
Isaac Berube, 37, no listed address, theft by unauthorized taking on Oct. 8, 2025, in Ellsworth.
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, April 6, 2026
Officer Liam Harrington performed a vehicle identification number verification for a towing company in Bar Harbor.
Someone reported a dog at large in Bar Harbor and Officer Harrington warned the dog’s owner for having a dog at large.
Officer Kaleb Payson provided a ride for someone in Bar Harbor.
Following a complaint of harassment, Officer Payson issued someone in Bar Harbor a cease harassment notice.
Someone reported people walking around their residence in Bar Harbor. Officer Zack Kline responded and searched the area. Everything appeared normal to Officer Kline.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Sgt. Doug Brundrett initiated a directed patrol to include property checks for some Eagle Lake Road businesses in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Brundrett responded with the Bar Harbor ambulance to a medical call at a business on Main Street in Bar Harbor.
Someone made a fraud complaint to Officer Payson in Bar Harbor.
Following a complaint regarding a dog left in a car on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor, Officer Lukas Keene responded but the vehicle had already left.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Officer Amie Torrey is assisting an outside agency with an assault case.
Officer Troy Stanwood received information in Bar Harbor from another agency.
Following a report of a car alarm going off for an extended amount of time at a Bar Harbor business, Officer Stanwood responded and found that the vehicle’s door had been left ajar.
Sgt. Chris Dickens responded to a report of someone having been bitten by a dog in Otter Creek.
Following a complaint of a vehicle being operated in an erratic manner on Route 102 in Mount Desert, the complaint was passed on to neighboring agencies because all officers were out of position to intercept the vehicle.
Officer Stanwood took a report of a dog bite that had occurred in Mount Desert.
Someone reported loose cows on the Crooked Road in Bar Harbor. The owner was contacted and retrieved the cows.
Officer Virginia Helton responded to a suspicious person complaint in Bar Harbor and found there to be no issues.
Officer Helton investigated an open door on a hospitality business in Bar Harbor and discovered that contractors had accidentally left the door propped open.
Officer Judson Cake gave someone in Bar Harbor a ride to a warming shelter.
Officer Helton is investigating a report of possible suspicious activity at a downtown Bar Harbor business.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Officer J. Cake spoke with two people in Bar Harbor that were having issues with their neighbors.
Officer Stanwood assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with a medical call in Bar Harbor.
After Officer Stanwood spoke with a Mount Desert resident regarding speeding vehicles on the Oak Hill Road in Mount Desert, a directed patrol was initiated.
Officers assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood assisted someone with getting home from the hospital in Bar Harbor.
Officer Ted Cake served someone in Bar Harbor a protection order.
Officer Helton investigated a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor and warned the driver for their operation.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Justin Burnett responded to a report of a suspicious motor vehicle in the area of Kebo Street but did not locate the vehicle.
Friday, April 10, 2026
After receiving a 911 call from a Mount Desert resident stating that they had locked themselves out of their apartment, Officer Payson contacted the MDI Housing Authority to get the person back into their apartment.
Officer Harrington performed a well-being check on a Bar Harbor resident and determined that they were fine.
Officer Payson arrested James Butler, 19, of Mount Desert, in Mount Desert, on an active arrest warrant.
Officer Harrington took a report of a low hanging wire in Seal Harbor and made the appropriate utility company aware of the issue.
A motor vehicle complaint was made in Bar Harbor, but all officers were out of position to intercept the vehicle.
Officer Nathan Formby received a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor but could not locate the vehicle.
Officer Formby assisted someone with making arrangements to get a taxi ride to Trenton.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Following a complaint of a man who refused to leave the parking lot of a Bar Harbor business, Officer Kline responded and issued the man a no trespassing warning.
Officer Harrington issued a Northeast Harbor resident a warning for misuse of 911, criminal trespassing, and disorderly conduct.
Following an investigation, Officer Harrington arrested Julia A. Callahan, 58, of Northeast Harbor for misuse of 911. Callahan was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Someone reported a suspicious person trespassing in Mount Desert. After Officer Burnett arrived, he determined that it was a false alarm.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Formby arrested Zachary Nettles, 39, of Texas, for operating under the influence. Nettles was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Sgt. Brundrett investigated a report of a juvenile who was refusing to come home in Bar Harbor. With assistance from the Brewer Police Department, the juvenile was located and reunited with their family.
Officer Formby assisted someone in Bar Harbor with finding a better parking spot for their large vehicle.
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, April 6, 2026
Officer Bradley Russell received a report of a loose dog in Tremont and notified the Tremont animal control officer of the complaint.
Officer Russell assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
A Southwest Harbor resident spoke with Chief John Hall regarding how to transfer ownership of his firearms to his son.
Following a 911 call, Officer Russell responded to Tremont to help resolve an issue regarding a family pet.
After receiving notification of a security alarm at a Southwest Harbor business, Officer Russell responded, spoke with people at the business, and determined that it was a false alarm.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Officer Russell performed a requested well-being check on someone in Tremont but could not locate the person to be checked on.
Officer Kristen Roulet interviewed someone in Tremont.
Sgt. Rick Graham performed a well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident and found them to be all set.
Sgt. Graham assisted the Maine State Police by serving a Southwest Harbor resident with a cease harassment order.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Sgt. Graham arrested Darrell Thurston, no age given, of Tremont, in Tremont for violation of conditions of release.
Officer Roulet fingerprinted someone at the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
Officer Roulet assisted the Ellsworth Police Department in Southwest Harbor.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Officer Russell served court paperwork to someone in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell performed a requested well-being check on someone in Tremont and found them to be all set.
After receiving a complaint of harassment by a Southwest Harbor resident, Officer Russell spoke with everyone involved and issued verbal warnings.
Officer Russell assisted someone in Southwest Harbor with getting back into their apartment after they had locked themselves out.
After receiving a motor vehicle complaint from another agency regarding a vehicle supposedly heading toward Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell tried to locate the vehicle, but the original agency located the vehicle before it got to Southwest Harbor.
Friday, April 10, 2026
Sgt. Graham checked on a Southwest Harbor resident who is a member of the Good Morning Program and who did not answer their morning phone call and found them to be fine.
Sgt. Graham provided traffic control for the Southwest Harbor Fire Department while they were on a fire alarm response in Southwest Harbor.
After receiving a parking complaint on the Long Pond Road in Southwest Harbor, Sgt. Graham issued the offending vehicle a parking ticket.
A Southwest Harbor resident turned two old firearms into the police department for disposal.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Officer Roulet received some information regarding an ongoing case.
Officer Roulet checked on a Southwest Harbor resident who is a member of the Good Morning Program and who did not answer their morning phone call and found them to be fine.
After receiving a report of someone putting rocks from Acadia National Park into their truck in Southwest Harbor, Officer Roulet responded, but there was no vehicle matching the description given in the area.
Officer Roulet assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Tremont.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Officer Roulet assisted someone in Southwest Harbor with getting back into their apartment after they had locked themselves out.
Officer Roulet spoke with someone in Southwest Harbor about possibly issuing a trespass warning for the complainant’s church to someone.
Someone called the Southwest Harbor Police Department to report that their dog had gotten out and was loose in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Roulet took a late report from someone who walked into the Southwest Harbor Police Department of a minor crash at a gas station f.
A Tremont resident reported that one of his “private property” signs was missing to Officer Roulet.
Sgt. Graham investigated a complaint by a Southwest Harbor resident regarding a possible threatening statement and determined that it was a miscommunication.
Sgt. Graham performed a requested well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident and found them to be well.
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 — 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.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fatal Fire in Winn
WINN—On Thursday, March 19, 2026, at approximately 1:28 a.m., the Lincoln Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1115 Route 168 in Winn. Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence heavily involved in fire. Five occupants had escaped the home prior to the fire department’s arrival and reported that an elderly female remained inside the residence unaccounted for.
Due to the report of a missing occupant, the Lincoln Fire Department requested assistance from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A team of Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene to investigate the fire. At approximately 9:30 a.m., investigators located and removed a deceased female from the fire debris. The body was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta to determine the cause of death and to positively identify the victim.
The other occupants of the home suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to a local hospital in Lincoln for evaluation. All individuals have since been treated and released. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
On April 8, the victim in the March fatal fire in Winn has been positively identified as 82-year-old Jean Fogg.
Fatal Structure Fire Under Investigation in Westfield
WESTFIELD—The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a structure fire that occurred on Thursday, April 9, 2026. At approximately 3:38 p.m., the Mars Hill Fire Department received a report of a fire at 1197 Houlton Road in Westfield. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions. Family members at the scene indicated that a person was likely trapped inside the residence.
Fire Marshal investigators remained on scene alongside the Mars Hill Fire Department throughout the afternoon and into the evening, conducting an extensive search for the victim. A deceased male was later located within the structure.
The victim will be transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine positive identification and cause and manner of death.
Preliminary information from witnesses suggests the fire may have originated in the barn area; however, the official cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Structure Fire in Jonesboro
JONESBORO—On Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 3:48 p.m., the Jonesboro Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 755 U.S. Route 1 in Jonesboro.
The Jonesboro Fire Department requested assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate the origin and cause. Fire investigators responded to the scene on Friday, April 10, 2026. Following an examination of the property, investigators determined that the fire originated beneath the pellet stove vent. At the time of the incident, no one was present in the residence. The fire caused significant damage to the structure. The fire has been ruled accidental.
Maine State Police Investigating Suspicious Death in Brunswick
BRUNSWICK—On Friday, April 10, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Bath Police Department responded to a reported disturbance. During the investigation, a male subject, identified as 45-year-old Tanner Dostie, of Brunswick, made statements to responding officers that prompted further investigation. As a result, investigators conducted a search at a residence in Brunswick, where a deceased adult male was located.
The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be performed to confirm positive identification and determine the cause and manner of death. Tanner Dostie has been charged with murder and was transported to the Cumberland County Jail.
The investigation is being conducted by the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit South, with assistance from the Bath Police Department, Brunswick Police Department, Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fire in Blue Hill
BLUE HILL—On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at approximately 5:59 p.m., the Blue Hill Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 76 Kingdom Road in Blue Hill. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to investigate the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators responded to the scene on Sunday, April 12, 2026, during daylight hours.
Following their investigation, the fire was determined to have been caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials. The incident has been classified as accidental. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Structure Fire in Somerset County
PALMYRA—On Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Hartland Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 603 Warren Hill Road in Palmyra. Upon arrival, crews found a 32-foot travel trailer, converted into a woodworking shop, heavily involved in fire, with flames having extended to a nearby mobile home. The property owners were not home at the time of the incident.
Mutual aid assistance was provided by the St. Albans, Canaan, Corinna, Newport, and Pittsfield Fire Departments. No injuries were reported during fire suppression operations. One cat remains unaccounted for. The travel trailer was destroyed, and the mobile home sustained extensive fire damage.
The American Red Cross has been notified and is assisting the displaced property owners. Due to the extent of the damage, investigators were unable to determine a specific origin or cause of the fire. At this time, there is no indication of suspicious activity, and the fire is classified as undetermined.
Maine State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Stockton Springs
STOCKTON SPRINGS—On Monday, April 13, 2026, at approximately 6:08 p.m., troopers from Maine State Police Central Field Troop responded to Route 1 in Stockton Springs for a report of a head-on collision involving two vehicles. Preliminary investigation shows that a truck driven by 42-year-old Adam Sorrentino, of Belfast, was traveling westbound when he struck an eastbound Subaru Forester driven by 77-year-old Anne Pomroy, of Old Orchard Beach.
Ms. Pomroy suffered serious injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Sorrentino was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Anyone who witnessed or has information about this crash is encouraged to contact Trooper Ryan Nadeau at (207) 624-7076 X 9.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Building Fire in Manchester
MANCHESTER—On Monday, April 13, 2026, at approximately 6:54 p.m., the Manchester Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 10 Sylvester Drive in Manchester. Upon arrival, firefighters found a large metal building heavily involved in fire. A vehicle and trailer that were partially inside the structure were also burned.
The building, owned by B & S Paving, was destroyed as a result of the fire. There were no injuries reported. The Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested to assist in determining the origin and cause of the fire. Based on their findings, the fire has been determined to be accidental and was caused by a malfunctioning driveway sealer machine.
Multiple agencies provided mutual aid, including the Winthrop, Augusta, West Gardiner, Hallowell, Readfield, Mount Vernon, Wayne, Fayette, and Vienna Fire Departments.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Arson Fire in Lebanon
LEBANON—On Monday, April 6, 2026, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Lebanon Fire Department requested assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 158 Upper Barley Road in Lebanon. Fire crews responded to a wooded lot where four vehicles had been destroyed by fire.
Following an investigation, the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fires to be arson and subsequently issued an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Jayce Racicot, of Rochester, New Hampshire. The property where the fires occurred is owned by Racicot’s grandfather. He owned three of the four vehicles that were destroyed.
On Friday, April 10, 2026, Racicot was arrested by the Rochester, New Hampshire Police Department on the outstanding warrant. He is currently being held at the Strafford County Department of Corrections pending a fugitive from justice hearing. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the York County Sheriff’s Office.
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 Main Department of Public Safety.
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