Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Aug 18, 2026
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Witham Family Hotels.
BAR HARBOR—On August 11 at approximately 5:57 p.m., Sgt. Chris Dickens responded to lower Main Street in Bar Harbor for a report of two dogs being left in a closed vehicle.
After arriving and investigating, Sgt. Dickens issued Amber Jorge, 35, of Connecticut, a misdemeanor criminal summons for animal cruelty. Jorge will answer to the charge at a later date in Ellsworth District Court.
According to Sgt. Doug Brundrett, the dogs are doing okay.
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, August 10, 2026
Officer Justin Burnett assisted some people in Bar Harbor with getting to their hotel.
Officer Ted Cake looked for a vehicle that was the subject of a motor vehicle complaint on Route 3 in Bar Harbor but could not find it.
Officer T. Cake performed a vehicle identification number verification in Bar Harbor.
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Gleason spoke with a Bar Harbor resident about stressful circumstances.
Sgt. Brundrett took a report from someone in Bar Harbor of telephone harassment.
Someone reported a dog that had been left in a hot vehicle in the area of Ledgelawn Avenue and Park Street in Bar Harbor but the vehicle had left by the time Sgt. Brundrett showed up.
Sgt. Brundrett documented fraudulent credit card charges for someone in Bar Harbor so that they could pursue the issue with their financial institution.
Sgt. Dickens provided a ride to a stranded motorist in Bar Harbor.
Following the report of a dislodged traffic count cable on Rodick Street in Bar Harbor, Sgt. Dickens responded and moved the cable from the roadway.
Officer Timothy Frost spoke with someone about some personal issues in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Frost assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department at the LifeFlight helipad in Bar Harbor.
Officer Nathan Formby took possession of an item that a person in Bar Harbor found suspicious.
Someone reported a missing cat in Mount Desert.
Officer Lukas Keene located a vehicle that was the subject of a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor and found that the vehicle was not being operated in an erratic manner.
Officer Zack Kline responded to a report of people laying in the roadway on Eagle lake Road in Bar Harbor but could not locate anyone in the road.
Following an investigation into a reported suspicious situation at a Bar Harbor campground, Officer Formby found that it was a misunderstanding.
Sgt. Dickens and Officer Kline located a vehicle that had been reported as operating in a reckless manner near the Village Green in Bar Harbor and spoke with the driver.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Officer Formby issued a ticket to a vehicle in Mount Desert that was in violation of the town’s ordinances.
Officer Keene investigated a reported possible protection order violation in Bar Harbor and found that no violation had occurred.
Officers responded to Route 3 in Bar Harbor after the report of a possible sighting of a missing person but could not locate anyone matching the given description.
Sgt. Brundrett took a report of fraud from a Bar Harbor resident.
Officer Kaleb Payson took a harassment complaint in Bar Harbor and through investigation determined that no criminal conduct had occurred.
Sgt. Brundrett took a report of vandalism to a vehicle that had been parked at an Eden Street, Bar Harbor, business.
Sgt. Dickens responded to a report of vandalism at a Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, business.
Officer Payson and Officer Caleb Mora performed a special detail in Mount Desert.
Following the report of a parking issue on Bowles Avenue in Bar Harbor, Officer Keene contacted the vehicle owner and had them move the vehicle.
Sgt. Dickens responded to a reported verbal altercation at a Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, business, spoke with the people involved, and sent them on their way.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Officer Kline transported two people to Somesville where they were picked up by Southwest Harbor Police Department to be taken back to their campground in Southwest Harbor.
Someone reported suspicious activity in downtown Bar Harbor but Officer Keene found nothing of concern after investigating.
After receiving a request to check the well-being of someone in Mount Desert, but before Officer Frost could do so, the requesting party called back and said they were all set.
Officer Amie Torrey took a civil land dispute report from two different people in Mount Desert.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg received a report of lost sheep in Bar Harbor and contacted the owner who retrieved them.
Officer Elias Burne spoke with someone in Bar Harbor about a family matter.
Officer Torrey responded to a report of a vehicle parked in the middle of the road in Mount Desert, but the vehicle was gone when she arrived.
Officer Frost spoke with someone in Bar Harbor who wanted to know if a no trespass warning they received years ago was still active.
Officer Troy Stanwood issued a parking citation to a vehicle that was parked in a restricted area and impeding traffic on Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor.
Officer Justin Burnett responded to a report of a dog running loose in Bar Harbor but was unable to locate the dog.
Someone reported a vehicle with an expired registration that was legally parked in Northeast Harbor. Officer Stanwood took no police action.
Officer Stanwood assisted the Maine State Police with a request to serve paperwork to someone in Bar Harbor.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Officer Stanwood responded to a report of a missing elderly man in Mount Desert. The man was located within 25 minutes.
Amie Torrey took a report of a barking dog in Mount Desert, but the dog had been put inside prior to her arrival.
Sgt. Sundberg documented a report of suspicious activity for someone in Bar Harbor.
Officer Burne responded with the Bar Harbor Fire Department to a reported structure fire in Bar Harbor, but the fire had been extinguished prior to any emergency responder’s arrival.
Officer Torrey responded to a report of a barking dog in a vehicle in Mount Desert but the vehicle had left prior to her arrival.
Officer Torrey received a complaint regarding construction noise in Seal Harbor.
MHL Gleason spoke to a Bar Harbor resident about financial hardship.
After a woman fell on Sea Street in Northeast Harbor, she flagged Officer Torrey down. Officer Torrey called for an ambulance and waited with the woman until the ambulance arrived.
Officer Burne responded to a vehicle complaint on Main Street in Somesville but was unable to locate the vehicle.
Officer Stanwood checked on someone in a vehicle in Bar Harbor.
Following a vehicle complaint on Route 102 in Mount Desert, Officer Burne located the vehicle, stopped it, and spoke with the driver about the reported driving behavior.
Friday, August 14, 2026
Officer Burnett assisted the Mount Desert Fire Department with a medical call in Mount Desert.
Officer T. Cake looked for a vehicle that was the subject of a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor but could not locate it.
Sgt. Sunberg called a tow truck for a vehicle in Bar Harbor that was parked in a no parking area and causing a traffic hazard, but the vehicle owner moved the vehicle prior to the tow truck’s arrival.
Officer Liam Harrington conducted a ride along in Bar Harbor with a law enforcement applicant.
Someone reported some missing items in Mount Desert and after Officer T. Cake investigated, it was determined that the items were probably taken by the tide
Officer T. Cake assisted with a medical call in Mount Desert.
Sgt. Sundberg responded to a report of suspicious activity in Bar Harbor and determined that nothing suspicious had occurred.
Following a report of a vehicle parked in the public way in Bar Harbor, Sgt. Sundberg found that the vehicle had left prior to his arrival.
Sgt. Sundberg made a Bar Harbor property owner aware that a tree had fallen off their property and was hanging low in the roadway.
Officer T. Cake checked on a reported possibly abandoned vehicle in Mount Desert but the vehicle was gone when he arrived.
MHL Gleason spoke with someone in Bar Harbor who was looking for resources.
MHL Gleason met with a Bar Harbor church for outreach.
Someone made a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert, but there were no officers in position at the time.
Someone made a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert and Officer Payson contacted the vehicle’s owner and made them aware of the complaint.
Following a motor vehicle complaint from another agency, Officer Formby located the vehicle in Bar Harbor but observed no issues.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Following a vehicle stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Formby arrested Edward Juarbe, 57, of East Lyme, Connecticut, for operating under the influence. Juarbe was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Kline assisted the Mount Desert Fire Department with a medical call in Mount Desert.
Following a vehicle stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Keene arrested Robert Grabowski, 33, of New Jersey, for operating under the influence.
Officer Formby gave someone a ride to their campground in Mount Desert.
Officer Keene assisted with a medical call in Bar Harbor regarding an unconscious man on the side of the road. The man was determined to be all set and did not require any medical attention.
Following an animal complaint in Bar Harbor and subsequent investigation, Officer Payson summoned Roland Sosa, 64, of Bar Harbor, for dogs at large and animal trespass.
Officer T. Cake received a request from the Holden Police Department to serve paperwork to someone in Bar Harbor.
Officer T. Cake received a request from the Maine State Police to serve paperwork to someone in Bar Harbor.
Officer Frost assisted with traffic and parking control at a private event in Northeast Harbor.
Officer Keene assisted a delivery truck with maneuvering around an illegally parked vehicle in Bar Harbor.
A group of people were removed from a Bar Harbor business by Officer Keene at the request of the business.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Someone reported a disturbance at a Bar Harbor campground and by the time Officer Keene arrived and investigated, there was no longer a concern.
Officer Keene performed a requested well-being check in Bar Harbor and found the person to be all set.
Following the report of a parking issue in Bar Harbor, Officer Payson checked the area and could not find and issues.
Officer Harrington responded with the Bar Harbor Fire Department to a medical call in Bar Harbor.
After speaking with a Mount Desert resident, Officer T. Cake is investigating a concern that the resident has.
Officer Payson handled a parking issue in Bar Harbor that he was able to resolve without issue.
Officer Harrington investigated a report of dogs that were potentially in distress in Mount Desert and found the dogs to just be “irritated with having been left home alone.”
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, August 10, 2026
Officer Bradley Russell is investigating the report of a vehicle in Southwest Harbor that was vandalized and had parts removed from the vehicle.
Officer Russell responded to a motor vehicle complaint in Southwest Harbor but was unable to locate the vehicle.
Charles Monahan, 75, of Exeter, CA, was driving a Tesla MR north on Harbor Drive in Tremont and drove over a rock that was in the roadway. When Monahan noticed that his vehicle was on fire, he stopped at 209 Harbor Drive. Monahan was not injured but the Tesla was a total loss.
Someone reported people riding E-bikes on the sidewalk in Southwest Harbor.
After receiving a harassment complaint in Tremont, Officer Russell spoke with both people involved and came to a resolution.
The Southwest Harbor Police Department dispatcher spoke with someone regarding a parking issue in a private lot in Southwest Harbor and advised the person of their options.
Officer Russell responded to a noise complaint in Tremont but could not locate any noise. After speaking with the complainant, Officer Russell learned that the noise had previously stopped.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Sgt. Rick Graham assisted a Southwest Harbor resident who requested assistance with something.
Sgt. Graham performed a well-being check on a Good Morning Quietside participant in Tremont and found them to be safe and healthy.
Sgt. Graham assisted a utility company while they discontinued service to someone in Southwest Harbor. The utility service was restored a short time later.
A Southwest Harbor resident reported that she believes her neighbor is feeding skunks. Sgt. Graham spoke with both the complainant and the alleged skunk feeder.
After receiving a complaint regarding juveniles riding a mini-bike on a roadway in Tremont, Sgt. Graham responded, located the juveniles, ordered them to push the bike home, and spoke with their parents.
Sgt. Graham spoke with a Southwest Harbor business representative about parking issues in the parking lot at the business.
Someone reported an intoxicated man walking in Tremont. Sgt. Graham located the man and gave him a ride to his campsite.
While on patrol, Sgt. Graham located an unsecure residence in Southwest Harbor. The property owner was notified and the property was secured.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Sgt. Graham assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Sgt. Graham assisted the Bar Harbor Police Department with getting some visitors who were staying at a Southwest Harbor campground the final leg back to their campsite.
A Tremont resident was concerned about two men who were sitting in a vehicle at the end of her driveway talking loudly. Sgt. Graham responded and determined that the two men were cable company employees performing upgrades to the system.
Officer Eli Brown took a report of a bicycle that was missing from outside of the business in Southwest Harbor where it was left overnight.
Officer Brown performed a well-being check on a Good Morning Quietside participant in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Brown issued a deer tag to someone in Southwest Harbor after the deer was found dead on private property.
An AirBnB owner in Southwest Harbor reported to Officer Brown that a renter left with the house key and was refusing to return it and at the same time was demanding a full refund.
A Southwest Harbor resident called and spoke with Officer Brown to check on the status of a no trespassing order of an inmate.
A Southwest Harbor resident reported the theft of an E-bike from his residence on Main Street in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Brown performed multiple security checks on Southwest Harbor businesses and found them all to be secure.
Officer Brown tried to locate someone in Southwest Harbor who has an active arrest warrant but was not at the address listed on the warrant.
Officer Brown checked a building in Tremont and found it to be secure.
At the request of someone in Southwest Harbor who did not feel safe walking to their vehicle at night because other people were in the area, Officer Brown responded and escorted the person to her vehicle.
Someone reported someone sleeping in their vehicle in Tremont in the ferry terminal parking lot. Officer Brown determined that it was someone who had missed the Swan’s Island Ferry and was waiting until the morning boat.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Officer Brown assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Someone reported barking dogs in Tremont and after learning who the dog’s owner was, Officer Brown decided to follow up with the dog owner in the morning due to the fact that it was well after midnight.
Officer Brown performed a well-being check on a Good Morning Quietside participant in Southwest Harbor.
Someone made a motor vehicle complaint in Southwest Harbor. Due to the fact that the vehicle was heading out of town the complaint was given to a neighboring agency.
Following a complaint regarding loose dogs in Tremont, Officer Russell located the dogs and returned them to their owner.
Officer Russell assisted the Tremont Volunteer Fire Department on a fire alarm activation call in Tremont.
Friday, August 14, 2026
Sgt. Graham is investigating a Tremont resident’s complaint that his neighbor’s dog was tied up outside and barking all day.
Sgt. Graham issued someone a permit to transport a dead deer from Southwest Harbor to a Bar Harbor residence.
A Southwest Harbor resident made a trespassing complaint to Sgt. Graham who contacted the offending person who will “take care of it.”
Someone reported that a deer had been hit by a vehicle on Main Street near Seal Cove Road in Southwest Harbor and was laying in the middle of the road. When Sgt. Graham arrived, the deer had already gotten up and run off.
Sgt. Graham attempted to locate a speeding vehicle that had been reported to the police department but could not.
Sgt. Graham issued 12 parking tickets on Clark Point Road in Southwest Harbor to vehicles that were restricting traffic flow.
A Southwest Harbor resident was warned for harassment of a Massachusetts resident by Sgt. Graham.
After an altercation, a Tremont resident wanted his girlfriend to be told not to return to his residence by Sgt. Graham. Sgt. Graham separated the two for the night, told them not to have contact with each other, and is investigating a “mutual assault” situation for possible charges.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Someone reported a loose dog in Southwest Harbor and Sgt. Graham got the dog back to its owner.
After Sgt. Graham spotted a Southwest Harbor resident who is know for wandering off walking in town, he gave them a ride back to their residence and left them in the care of their family.
Sgt. Graham performed a well-being check on a Good Morning Quietside participant in Southwest Harbor. The person was found to be in need of medical care and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Sgt. Graham assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Tremont.
Sgt. Graham provided an escort to someone while they retrieved some personal property from a residence in Southwest Harbor.
A loose dog on Main Street in Southwest Harbor prompted a response by Sgt. Graham who caught the dog and returned it to its owner.
Following a report of suspicious activity in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded and found the report to be unfounded.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Officer Russell documented a report of possible harassment at the request of someone in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell contacted another agency to remove a dead deer from the side of the road in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell performed a well-being check on a Good Morning Quietside participant in Southwest Harbor and found that they had already left their residence prior to their phone call.
Officer Russell spoke with someone in Southwest Harbor regarding an issue about some property and gave them some options to pursue.
Officer Russell assisted anther agency with locating a vehicle in Tremont involved in a hit and run.
A civilian went on a ride along in Southwest Harbor with Officer Russell.
Following a motor vehicle complaint in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell located the suspect vehicle and spoke with the driver about the complaint.
Someone reported suspicious activity at a Tremont residence. Officer Russell responded and checked the property, finding nothing suspicious or out of the ordinary.
Officer Russell received a report of a loose dog that had been found in Southwest Harbor and was able to get the dog back home.
Officer Russell assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Following a report of suspicious activity involving a vehicle in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell was able to locate the vehicle and speak with the driver about the complaint.
Officer Russell assisted another agency in Tremont.
After a report of a vehicle being driven in Southwest Harbor with a compartment open, Officer Russell searched for the vehicle but could not locate it.
Someone brought a found dog to the Southwest Harbor Police Department where the owner came and retrieved the dog.
Officer Russell assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Tremont.
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 — (3) Seawall Road x 2. Main Street.
TREMONT — (1) No road name given.
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.
Standish Man Arrested in Connection with Two Residential Fires
STANDISH—The Standish Fire Department responded to two separate fires at 29 River Meadows Drive in Standish on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. The first fire, reported at approximately 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, was limited to the garage. The second fire, reported just before 5:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 23, 2026, also involved the garage and extended into a portion of the home.
Investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to investigate the cause and origin of the fires. There were no injuries reported in either incident. The investigation into both fires remains ongoing.
The Office of State Fire Marshal has arrested a Standish man in connection with two fires reported at a residence on River Meadows Drive in Standish last month. Investigators determined both fires were intentionally set. At approximately 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Fire Marshal Investigators met with 42-year-old Timothy Nickels, of Standish, following his release from a local hospital, where he had been undergoing an evaluation. Nickels was arrested and charged with two counts of arson and one count of failure to report a fire. He was transported to the Cumberland County Jail.
No one was injured in either fire. Nickels remains at the Cumberland County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.
Maine State Police Investigating Suspicious Package in Augusta
AUGUSTA—On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Capitol Police responded to a report of a suspicious package that had been opened inside Maine Revenue Services at 51 Commerce Drive in Augusta. Capitol Police requested assistance from the Maine State Police Bomb Squad. The individual who handled the package moved it outside and contacted authorities. Out of an abundance of caution, the building was evacuated while the package was evaluated.
The Maine State Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene. Through X-ray imaging and presumptive field testing, investigators determined there were no explosive or biological hazards inside the package. No injuries were reported. The Maine State Police Bomb Squad was assisted by the Augusta Fire Department and the 11th Army National Guard Civil Support Team. The incident remains under investigation. No additional information is being released at this time.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Fire at Waterville Care Facility
WATERVILLE-During the early morning hours of Thursday, August 13, 2026, investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to Park Residences, located at 141 West River Road in Waterville, to investigate a reported fire. Investigators conducted witness interviews and a detailed examination of the fire scene.
Investigators determined that the fire originated in a resident’s bedroom and was intentionally set. The circumstances surrounding the fire have been referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Fire damage was limited to a laundry basket and comforter. The facility’s fire sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire before it could spread to the structure or other items in the room.
All residents were evacuated from the facility, and no injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Monmouth House Fire
MONMOUTH—Fire Investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal responded to 30 Old Lewiston Road in Monmouth at approximately 6 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026, to assist with the investigation of a residential structure fire that resulted in the rescue of a 34-year-old man. The man was asleep inside the home when he awoke to a fire in the kitchen. Due to heavy fire and smoke conditions, he was unable to safely exit the residence. After calling 911, the man was rescued through an exterior window. He suffered smoke inhalation, as well as lacerations and abrasions sustained during the rescue. He was transported by ambulance to Central Maine Medical Center for treatment and is expected to be released later today. The residence sustained moderate fire and smoke damage.
State Fire Marshal investigators conducted an examination of the scene and determined that the fire originated in a large plastic trash can located in the kitchen. Investigators learned that prior to leaving for work that morning, the homeowner had been preparing breakfast when paper plates caught fire inside a microwave. The homeowner, who was not the individual rescued from the home, believed the plates were no longer burning and discarded them in the kitchen trash before leaving the residence.
Investigators determined that the discarded paper plates continued to smolder or retained sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials inside the trash can, resulting in the fire. The fire has been classified as accidental.
The Office of State Fire Marshal reminds the public that materials exposed to fire or significant heat may continue to smolder even when visible flames are no longer present. Burned or partially burned materials should never be placed in household trash containers until they are completely extinguished and cool to the touch. This incident also highlights the importance of working smoke alarms, having a home escape plan and immediately calling 911 when a fire occurs.
MDEA Arrests Three for Drug Offenses in Bangor
BANGOR—Over the past week agents with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency’s North Central District Task Force have been investigating suspected drug trafficking in the downtown area of Bangor.
During the investigation three males were observed handing out pieces of paper to individuals in a downtown park. Agents also watched the males conduct what they believed to be drug transactions. Agents were able to later determine the pieces of paper being handed out contained a phone number utilized for the sale of drugs. At least one non-fatal overdose in the area was directly attributed to the group.
An undercover agent was able to utilize the phone number to arrange a controlled purchase of cocaine base (crack ) from Diany Garcia, 28, of Patterson, New Jersey. Garcia was taken into custody shortly after the purchase. Garcia was charged with class B trafficking schedule W drugs, cocaine base.
Agents also determined the three suspects were operating out of a local hotel. Agents drafted and were granted a search warrant for the hotel room.
As a result of the search of the hotel room Agents seized 18ggw (grams gross weight) of cocaine base (crack), 3gggw of cocaine HCL and over $1000 in suspected drug proceeds.
Arismendi Acosta, 27, of Patterson, New Jersey, and Jeremy Rodriguez, 30, of Bronx, New York, were detained outside the hotel room just prior to execution of the search warrant and later arrested and charged with class A aggravated trafficking schedule W drugs cocaine base. Both Acosta and Rodriguez have prior drug convictions aggravating their charges.
Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
During the investigation agents were assisted by the Bangor Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and USDEA.
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.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Sebago Fire
SEBAGO—On August 13, 2026, at approximately 7:55 a.m., the Sebago Fire Department responded to 33 Mill Pond Circle for a reported structure fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters located a fire in a two-bay attached garage. Fire crews quickly initiated suppression efforts and contained the fire, preventing it from spreading into the main residence. Because additional manpower and a water supply were needed, a second alarm was struck.
The homeowners were at home at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported among the occupants or firefighters.
The fire appears to be accidental and electrical in nature and remains under investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Three Juveniles Charged in Bowdoin Fire
BOWDOIN—On August 11, 2026, investigators with the Office of the State Fire Marshal charged three juveniles with criminal trespassing and arson in connection with a July fire at 243 John Tarr Road. During the initial stages of the investigation and the fire scene examination, investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. The home, vacant at the time, sustained minimal damage, and no injuries were reported. No further details will be released at this time.
The three juveniles received summonses and were released to their parents.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Litchfield Fire
LITCHFIELD—On the evening of August 13, investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal were requested to respond to a residential structure fire at 1859 Hallowell Road in Litchfield to assist with the origin and cause investigation.
Litchfield fire personnel encountered two separate fires within the residence and quickly initiated suppression operations. The family living in the home safely escaped and called 911. No injuries were reported.
State Fire Marshal Investigators conducted witness interviews and a thorough examination of the fire scene. Based on the information gathered during the investigation, investigators determined that the fires were most likely associated with a severe thunderstorm that passed through the area and a possible lightning strike that energized the residence. Investigators will analyze lightning strike data today to confirm the cause.
The Office of State Fire Marshal reminds residents that lightning can travel through electrical wiring, plumbing, and other conductive systems in a home. During severe thunderstorms, residents should avoid contact with electrical equipment and plumbing and remain indoors until the storm has safely passed.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Milo Fire
MILO—On August 14, 2026, the Milo Fire Department responded to a structure fire at approximately 5:11 a.m. Upon arrival, crews found a well-developed fire on the second floor of a single-family residence, with flames extending into the roof area. The Milo Fire Department requested the Fire Marshal’s Office to assist in the investigation.
The fire caused significant damage to the residence and displaced two occupants. Both occupants safely evacuated the home and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The fire is believed to have originated in the second-floor bathroom. Due to structural collapse within the residence, State Fire Marshal Investigators were unable to determine the exact area of origin or the cause of the fire.
The fire is classified as undetermined.
Multiple 911 Calls Result in the Arrest of a Dangerous Driver
BOWDOINHAM—On August 15, 2026, at approximately 3:35 p.m., the Bangor Regional Communications Center began receiving calls about a vehicle traveling over 100 mph and driving erratically northbound on I-295 in the Bowdoinham area. Ultimately, 14 people called 911 to report this dangerous driving.
Troopers worked to narrow down the vehicle’s location as each call provided an updated mile marker. Troopers located the vehicle northbound on I-95 in Waterville and conducted a traffic stop after observing the previously reported driving.
As a result of the roadside investigation, Alexandre Forsythe, 22, of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, was charged with criminal OUI and criminal speed.
Maine State Police and Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office Conduct Assault/Death Investigation in Guilford
GUILFORD—On Sunday, August 16, 2026, at approximately 7:19 p.m., the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Maine State Police with an investigation related to an apparent assault on Pine Street in Guilford.
The Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office responded to 24 Pine Street for a well-being check and moments later located two seriously injured adults inside a neighboring residence at 26 Pine Street. An adult male and adult female were transported to the hospital. The male died from his injuries while being transported to the hospital. The female remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Due to the facts and circumstances of the case, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – North was assigned to provide assistance to the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout the evening and overnight hours, the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – North and other law enforcement partners worked to further the investigation. Due to the complexity of the investigation, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – North will take the lead on the investigation moving forward, with the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office remaining involved as a key investigative partner.
Members of the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team will process available evidence at the scene. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
As a result of the initial investigation, 49-year-old Ryan Carleton, of Guilford, was taken into custody by the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of aggravated assault. Carleton is currently being held at the Piscataquis County Jail. His charges will be elevated pending an arraignment on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:45 a.m., at the Piscataquis County Judicial Center.
Law enforcement believes this is an isolated incident and there are no ongoing public safety concerns.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with relevant information related to this case is asked to contact the Maine State Police at 207-973-3700, ext. 9, and ask to speak with Det. Jacob Ferland.
Information related to this case may also be submitted to the Major Crimes Unit – North via an on-line 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.
HELP SUPPORT THE BAR HARBOR STORY
When we started The Bar Harbor Story, we didn’t know if anyone would read it. But you showed up. You shared. You sent tips. Now—over 400,000 views every month later—it’s clear: people here care about their community and each other.
We’ve kept everything free because news should never be out of reach, but every one of our stories takes time to write, and your support keeps The Bar Harbor Story going.
If you value our work, please consider a paid subscription, a founding membership, or a sponsorship.
It truly helps us cover one more meeting, tell one more story, shine one more light.
Even $5 a month makes a difference. Click here to become a one-time supporter now.
Thank you so much for being here.
Founding member information can be found here.
Have questions about sponsorships? Just send Shaun an email at sfarrar86@gmail.com, he’d love to hear from you.
Discover more from Bar Harbor Story
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.