Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Sep 15, 2026
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by the Don & Beth Straus Center at Birch Bay Village.
BAR HARBOR—On the morning of Monday, September 7, 2026, the Maine State Police responded to a domestic violence incident at a residence in Gouldsboro.
Later in the day, the suspect, Moises Orellana-Ortiz, 48, of Gouldsboro was determined to be in Bar Harbor.
According to Maine Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer Shannon Moss, the Gouldsboro complaint was reported as a family fight during which one female occupant of the residence suffered minor injuries.
With the assistance of Bar Harbor Mount Desert Police Department Officer Ted Cake, at approximately 11:55 a.m., troopers with the state police arrested Orellana-Ortiz on an active arrest warrant without incident in Bar Harbor.
Orellana-Ortiz was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon for the earlier incident in Gouldsboro. Orellana-Ortiz was transported to the Hancock County Jail by the state police.
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, September 7, 2026
Following a traffic stop in Mount Desert, Officer Liam Harrington summoned Cheyenne L. R. Ewer, 22, of Hancock, for operating after suspension.
Someone reported identity fraud that occurred outside of the Bar Harbor Mount Desert Police Department’s jurisdiction. Officer T. Cake advised the complainant to contact the company involved with the issue and report the incident to its fraud department.
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Gleason spoke with someone in Bar Harbor who had experienced a series of life stressors.
Following the report of a dog in a vehicle in Bar Harbor, Officer T. Cake responded, located the vehicle, and contacted the dog’s owner who returned to the vehicle.
A disorderly situation that stemmed from a parking issue in Bar Harbor resulted in the warning of six people for disorderly conduct by Sgt. Doug Brundrett and Officer Kaleb Payson.
Officer T. Cake is investigating a motor vehicle complaint made in Bar Harbor.
Officer Harrington assisted the Mount Desert Fire Department on a medical call in Mount Desert.
Officer T. Cake removed two people from a property in Bar Harbor.
Someone called the Mount Desert Police Department about an injured deer but during the call the deer moved off the roadway and into a residential area so there was no officer response.
Someone reported two transient people at a Bar Harbor gas station asking other people for money, but all officers were busy on a “critical incident.”
Officer Zack Kline responded to a medical call at a Bar Harbor residence regarding an elderly man who had fallen, but he was deceased when first responders arrived. Officer Kline determined that the death did not appear to be suspicious.
A theft that was reported in Bar Harbor is being investigated by Officer Zachary Alexander.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Following a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, Officer Lukas Keene located the suspect vehicle and spoke with the driver about the complaint.
Someone reported a traffic hazard in Bar Harbor and Officer Payson patrolled the area but could not locate any hazards.
A Bar Harbor resident reported to Officer Harrington that his American Airlines rewards account had been hacked in April.
Officer Payson performed an escort for someone in Bar Harbor.
Officer T. Cake gave someone a ride home in Mount Desert.
After someone called about a trespassing issue in Mount Desert, Officer T. Cake issued Bradley Walls, 51, of Mount Desert, a summons for criminal trespass.
MHL Gleason spoke with a woman in Bar Harbor who was distressed.
Officer Kline assisted a Bar Harbor resident with getting back into their apartment after they had locked themselves out.
Officer Kline assisted a motorist in Bar Harbor whose vehicle broke down in the middle of the roadway.
Following a report of a dispute between neighbors in Mount Desert, Officer Kline determined that it was a civil issue and documented the incident.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Someone reported barking dogs in Bar Harbor and Officer Kline responded but failed to find any barking dogs and determined that the complaint was unfounded.
A Mount Desert resident reported a suspicious vehicle on their property but the vehicle was gone by the time an officer arrived.
Sgt. Brundrett performed a well-being check in Bar Harbor and was unable to locate the person being checked on, but a short time later the person called and told Sgt. Brundrett that they were fine.
Officer Tim Frost performed a well-being check on a juvenile in Bar Harbor and found them to fine.
A Mount Desert resident reported a portion of a deer carcass on their property. The Maine Warden Service was contacted and investigated, determining that it did not appear to be suspicious.
Officer Payson and MHL Gleason responded with the Bar Harbor Fire Department to a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Officer Frost is investigating a report of negotiating a worthless instrument (a bad check) from a Town Hill business.
Officer Frost is investigating a delayed report of domestic assault in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Brundrett documented a report of an ongoing motor vehicle complaint on Route 102 in Mount Desert.
Someone reported a theft in Mount Desert and asked that Officer Payson document it only.
Following a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert, with no officers in a position to intercept the vehicle, the complaint was passed onto the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Troy Stanwood arrested Samaritan Almond, 24, of Atlanta, GA, for operating under the influence. Almond was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Nathan Formby responded to a report of a tree blocking the road in Bar Harbor and with the assistance of a member of the public, was able to remove the tree from the roadway.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg performed a well-being check on someone in Bar Harbor and found them to be all set.
Officer Frost took a report of fraudulent activity on someone’s airline account.
Officer Payson took a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert and documented the information for more patrols in the area of the complaint.
Officer Frost took a report of a possible stolen vehicle in Bar Harbor, but it was determined that the vehicle was parked in a different location than the driver thought.
Bar Harbor parking enforcement handled a parking complaint in Bar Harbor.
Officer Frost provided an escort in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Sundberg took a fraud report in Bar Harbor that the reporting party only wanted on file for now.
Sgt. Sundberg is investigating a 911 report of a verbal altercation in Mount Desert.
Officer Payson documented a reported dog bite in Mount Desert.
Officer Frost assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with a medical call on Main Street in Bar Harbor.
Following a late report of a motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor, Officer Payson was able to contact the suspect vehicle’s owner and discuss the complaint.
Officer Payson failed to locate an ATV that was reported to be operating on the roadway in Mount Desert.
Officer Formby assisted the Southwest Harbor Police Department with a call in Tremont.
Following a traffic stop in Mount Desert, Officer Formby arrested Jacob Sarnak, 27, of Exeter, Pennsylvania, for operating under the influence. Sarnak was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Friday, September 11, 2026
Officer Formby took a report of fraud from someone in Bar Harbor.
After a motor vehicle complaint was passed along to the Bar Harbor Police Department regarding a vehicle heading onto the island from Trenton, Officer Kline located the vehicle, stopped it in Bar Harbor, and determined the operator was not impaired.
After Officer Formby responded with the Bar Harbor Fire Department to a medical call in Bar Harbor, a referral to Adult Protective Services was made.
MHL Gleason followed up with a client in Bar Harbor who has chronic medical needs.
After someone reported an idling bus in Bar Harbor, Officer Harrington contacted the owners of the vehicle and made arrangements for it to be hooked up to shore power.
Officers responded to a report of a loose dog in Bar Harbor but could not locate the dog.
Sgt. Sundberg responded to a report of a vehicle blocking the roadway in Bar Harbor but it was moved prior to his arrival on scene.
Officer Frost assisted the Hancock County Drug treatment Program in Bar Harbor.
MHL Gleason met with someone in Bar Harbor who has ongoing life stressors.
Officer T. Cake assisted with traffic control for a medical call in Mount Desert.
Someone made a delayed motor vehicle complaint in Bar Harbor and due to the time delay, Officer Alexander was unable to locate the suspect vehicle.
Another agency requested assistance with locating a vehicle in Mount Desert but officers were unable to locate the vehicle.
Officer Harrington assisted with transporting someone for the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Officer Formby responded to a report of a disorderly situation in Bar Harbor and as a result, two people were warned for harassment.
Following a report of people arguing in the “Old PD” parking lot in Bar Harbor, Officer Harrington responded and warned those involved for disorderly conduct.
Officer Kline moved someone along who was sitting on a porch in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Chris Dickens responded to an animal complaint in Salsbury Cove and determined that the complaint was unfounded.
After responding to a trespassing complaint in Mount Desert, Officer Formby determined that the situation was a misunderstanding.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Officer Formby gave someone a ride home in Bar Harbor.
Officer Formby conducted an outside detail for an event in Bar Harbor.
After meeting with some property owners and speaking with both people about an ongoing dispute on a private road in Mount Desert, Officer T. Cake determined that the issue was a civil matter.
Officers responded to a verbal altercation in Bar Harbor and after investigation, warned multiple people for disorderly conduct.
A resident of Mount Desert called the Mount Desert Police Department to complain about someone having a roadside yard sale.
After receiving a parking complaint in Bar Harbor, Officer Alexander informed the vehicle’s owner of the issue.
Someone made a report of a vehicle on Route 102 in Bar Harbor making bad passes. All officers were out of position so the complaint was passed on to the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
An elderly person in Mount Desert who suffers from dementia wandered away from her home. She was later located by an officer and returned home.
Officer T. Cake investigated a reported dispute between neighbors in Mount Desert and determined that it was a civil matter.
A missing child was reported in Mount Desert. The child was located a short time later and reunited with family.
Officers assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Officer Formby documented a report of vandalism to a Bar Harbor business.
Following a noise complaint at a Bar Harbor residence, Officer Kline located a party and spoke with the owner of the residence who agreed to shut the party down.
Officer Kline gave two people a ride from the hospital in Bar Harbor to a hotel in Bar Harbor.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
An employee of a Bar Harbor business reported that a man was threatening them. The employee asked that the man be given a cease harassment notice and the business asked that the man be given a no trespass warning for the business.
Officer Formby responded to a medical call in Bar Harbor with the Bar Harbor Fire Department.
Someone reported a vehicle with a child that was not in a child safety seat in Bar Harbor. Officer T. Cake looked for but was unable to locate the vehicle.
Following a report of suspicious activity in a Bar Harbor parking lot, Officer T. Cake patrolled the area, located the source of the complaint, and determined that it was not suspicious.
Someone reported some suspicious property in Bar Harbor. Officer Alexander located the suspicious property and took it to the police station to be destroyed.
Officer Formby responded to a motor vehicle complaint of erratic operation in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Officer Formby responded to a motor vehicle complaint of erratic operation in Bar Harbor but could not locate the suspect 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, September 7, 2026
Sgt. Rick Graham performed a keep the peace for the exchange of a child in Southwest Harbor.
Sgt. Graham assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Someone from Tremont called the Southwest Harbor Police Department about their kids riding dirt bikes off their property.
Sgt. Graham spoke with a Southwest Harbor resident and their teenage child regarding some issues.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
After someone reported a neighbor’s dog in their yard in Southwest Harbor, Officer Bradley Russell collected the dog and brought it back to the police station where it was reunited with its owner.
Officer Russell responded to a complaint in Southwest Harbor regarding some animal issues and addressed the issue.
Officer Russell gave a paving company permission to park on the shoulder of a Southwest Harbor roadway while they performed some paving work.
Based on prior speeding complaints, Officer Russell performed a directed speeding patrol in Tremont.
Someone in Southwest Harbor, whose temporary registration tag had fallen off of their vehicle, spoke with Officer Russell and got some questions answered.
Officer Russell served some paperwork to someone in Southwest Harbor on behalf of another agency.
Following a parking complaint in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded and got the offending vehicle moved.
After a Southwest Harbor business made a trespassing complaint, Officer Russell was able to locate the people in question and serve them with no trespass warnings for the business.
Someone in Tremont made a noise complaint involving a barking dog. Officer Russell responded and spoke to the dog’s owner.
Officer Russell responded to Tremont for the report of a family dispute and after speaking with the people involved, took one of the people to the hospital for an evaluation.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
A Tremont business owner reported that his wallet had been stolen. Officer Eli Brown advised him to contact the Social Security Administration and to cancel all of his credit cards.
An anonymous caller from Tremont reported that she felt harassed when someone tapped on her window, but she would not provide any information about herself.
Officer Brown performed a security check on three buildings in Southwest Harbor and found them all to be secure.
The Bar Harbor Police Department passed on a complaint regarding a possibly intoxicated driver. Officer Brown located the vehicle and stopped it in Southwest Harbor. Officer Brown discovered that it was not an intoxicated driver issue but rather an inexperienced driver from another country.
Officer Brown arrested Jeremy Harkins, 44, of Southwest Harbor, in Southwest Harbor, and charged Harkins with disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, and refusing to sign a uniform summons and complaint form.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Sgt. Graham investigated a report of suspicious activity in Southwest Harbor and found that there was no suspicious activity.
Someone in Southwest Harbor made a complaint to Sgt. Graham about electric scooters and bicycles being ridden improperly on town streets.
A Tremont business owner reported a loose dog on the business property. Sgt. Graham responded and found that the dog had returned home so he issued the dog’s owner a warning to keep the dog contained.
Following a report of a suspicious person coming onto a Tremont business property, Sgt. Graham responded but could not locate anyone in the area.
Sgt. Graham recovered a stolen ATV in Tremont and identified a juvenile as a suspect.
Friday, September 11, 2026
Sgt. Graham performed a security check on a Southwest Harbor business.
Sgt. Graham took a report of possible harassment from a Southwest Harbor resident.
Sgt. Graham participated in the 9-11 memorial procession in Southwest Harbor along with the Southwest Harbor Fire Department, and the Southwest Harbor/Tremont Ambulance Service.
Following a report of a dog at large in the Clark Point Road and Maple Lane area in Southwest Harbor, the dog’s owner retrieved the dog.
Sgt. Graham assisted a Southwest Harbor parent with an issue with their child.
Sgt. Graham assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Sgt. Graham performed a security check on a Southwest Harbor business.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Following a threatening complaint at a Southwest Harbor business’s employee housing in Southwest Harbor, two people were issued disorderly conduct warnings by Sgt. Graham.
Officer Russell responded to the area of a motor vehicle complaint in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
Following the report of several cars blocking a roadway in Tremont, Officer Russell responded but could not locate any vehicles.
Officer Russell responded to the area of a motor vehicle complaint in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the suspect vehicle.
After someone in Tremont found a loose dog running around their property, Officer Russell responded and was able to reunite the dog with its owner.
Someone reported a Southwest Harbor business that was closed for the day but that had an unlocked front door. Officer Russell notified the business and the issue was addressed.
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Someone reported a dead deer on the side of the road on Bass Harbor Road in Southwest Harbor. Sgt. Graham asked the Department of Transportation to remove the carcass and it was gone when he arrived in the area.
A Southwest Harbor resident reported that he had accidentally driven his vehicle off the shoulder of a private road and a neighbor helped pull him out.
A report was made concerning a dog at large in the Clark Point Road and Maple Lane area in Southwest Harbor, the dog’s owner had retrieved the dog by the time Sgt. Graham arrived.
Sgt. Graham assisted the ambulance service with a medical call in Bass Harbor.
Sgt. Graham conducted a ride along with a someone in Southwest Harbor.
Sgt. Graham was in route to assist the Southwest Harbor Fire Department with a fire call in Southwest Harbor but was called off prior to arriving.
While patrolling in Tremont, Sgt. Graham noticed an open door on a closed business, notified the owner, and stayed on site until the owner responded and secured the building.
Monday, September 14, 2026
Officer Abigail Armistead responded to a burglar alarm at a Southwest Harbor business, but the caretaker of the property canceled the call prior to her arrival.
Officer Armistead performed a requested well-being check on someone in Southwest Harbor, but the person was not located at the address provided by the requesting person.
Officer Armistead attempted to assist the ambulance service with a medical call in Southwest Harbor, but the ambulance cleared the scene before she could get there.
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 — (1) Main Street
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.
State Fire Marshal’s Office Rules Richmond Fire Accidental
RICHMOND—On Monday, September 7, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Richmond Fire Department responded to a reported commercial structure fire at 165 Brunswick Road in Richmond.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire conditions inside the garage and immediately began efforts to extinguish the fire. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to investigate the cause.
Investigators determined the fire started when an individual was welding on a vehicle inside the garage and the vehicle caught fire. The fire spread throughout the structure and to other vehicles in the yard.
The garage was destroyed, along with an apartment located above it. The fire has been ruled accidental. One employee of the garage suffered a minor burn but did not require transport to the hospital.
Fire Marshal’s Office investigating Structure fire in Madison
MADISON—On Sunday, September 6, 2026, just after 1:30 p.m., the Madison Fire Department responded to 48 Lower Mills Road for a reported structure fire after neighbors observed smoke coming from inside the residence. Firefighters made entry into the home and quickly extinguished the fire.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist with the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and local responders worked throughout the afternoon and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no further details are available at this time. No injuries were reported. The residence sustained moderate fire damage, along with significant smoke damage throughout the home.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Structure Fire in Bradford
BRADFORD—On Friday, September 4, 2026, at approximately 12:50 p.m., the Bradford Fire Department responded to 70 Williams Road in Bradford for a reported structure fire.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist with the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Fire investigators responded to the scene and conducted an examination of the property. The fire is believed to have originated in the living room; however, the exact cause of the fire could not be determined. The fire caused significant damage to the structure. A resident who was home at the time of the fire was able to safely evacuate. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The fire is classified as undermined.
Maine State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Albion
ALBION—On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 12:40 a.m., troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Benton Road in Albion. The initial investigation determined the vehicle left the roadway to the right and entered a wooded area, where it came to rest.
The driver, 40-year-old Jonathan Nutt, of China, suffered serious injuries and was transported by LifeFlight of Maine to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor where he is listed in serious condition.
His passenger, 35-year-old Anthony Lapio, of Burnham, died at the scene. The crash remains under investigation. Speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact Trooper Chris Allen at 207-624-7076. Maine State Police was assisted on scene by Albion Fire, Winslow Fire, Delta Ambulance, and Carroll’s Body Shop and Towing.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Arson Fire in Lewiston
LEWISTON—On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Lewiston Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 425 Main Street in Lewiston. The location is the scene of a previous structure fire on July 12, 2026, which was investigated and determined to have been accidental. Following that fire, the building was condemned.
Due to the circumstances surrounding Tuesday’s fire, the Office of the State Fire Marshal was requested to assist with the investigation. Following their investigation, fire investigators have determined that the September 8 fire was intentionally set and is being classified as arson.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is asking anyone who may have information regarding this fire, or who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area, to contact the Lewiston Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division, the Lewiston Police Department, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 207-624-7076.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The joint investigation with Lewiston Fire and Police Department remains ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact investigators.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Waterboro Fire Involving Juvenile
WATERBORO—On Monday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Waterboro Fire Department responded to a small wildland fire in the area of 62 Meadowbrook Drive in Waterboro. During the response, firefighters discovered what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail in the debris.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified, and fire investigators, along with rangers from the Maine Forest Service, responded to assist with the investigation. Investigators identified a 17-year-old juvenile as being responsible for the fire. The juvenile and the juvenile’s parents are cooperating with the investigation. The York County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation.
MDEA Arrests One Man in Fairfield for Aggravated Drug Trafficking
FAIRFIELD—For the past several months, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency South Central District Task Force and the Fairfield Police Department have been investigating the sale of illegal narcotics from a residence in Fairfield. This investigation included undercover purchases of cocaine and fentanyl from Robert Ruiz, 45, of Fairfield, from 4 Kelley Street in Fairfield. Agents obtained search warrants for the residence as well as Ruiz’s vehicle.
On Thursday, September 10, 2026, with the assistance of the Maine State Police and Fairfield Police Department, the warrants were served. Ruiz was detained without incident shortly after leaving his residence.
Agents and officers seized 134 grams of cocaine HCL, 90 grams of fentanyl, 8 grams cocaine base, and 4 grams of methamphetamine. Agents also seized 2 firearms, a handgun and a 12-gauge semi auto shotgun. Agents also seized $24,131 in suspected drug proceeds and a money counter.
The estimated street value of all the seized drugs is $27,000
Ruiz was charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking schedule “W” drugs and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and is currently at the Somerset County Correctional Facility. His bail was set at $100,000 cash.
More arrests are anticipated in this case.
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.
Maine State Police Make Arrest in Brunswick Homicide
BRUNSWICK—Major Crimes Unit South Detectives have arrested a Brunswick man in connection with the September 1, 2026, homicide of his neighbor, 48-year-old James Smith, of Brunswick.
On September 1, 2026, at approximately 12:48 a.m., Brunswick Police responded to a 911 call at 5 Valerie Avenue for a report of gunshots. Smith was discovered deceased on the property.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta determined Smith’s cause of death was a gunshot wound and the manner of death was homicide. 58-year-old Keith Brunelle who resides at 5 Valerie Avenue was taken into custody following the incident. At that time, Brunelle was arrested on a bail violation and transported to the Cumberland County Jail. He was subsequently released after posting bail.
Detectives continued their investigation into Smith’s death. As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for Brunelle. On Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 10:24 a.m., Brunelle was arrested without incident at a residence in Augusta and charged with murder and criminal use of explosives. He was transported to the Cumberland County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
The Brunswick Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted Maine State Police throughout the investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Fire in Sanford
SANFORD—On Monday, September 14, 2026, at approximately 12:35 p.m., the Sanford Fire Department responded to 13 Acorn Street in Sanford for a report of a moving truck on fire. The fire spread from the truck to the nearby residence.
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. Investigators determined the fire originated inside the cargo box of the moving truck. The exact cause remains under investigation; however, investigators have not ruled out the careless disposal of smoking materials. The fire extended from the moving truck to the attic of the home. The residence sustained smoke and water damage. No residents were injured.
One firefighter sustained a laceration while working at the scene and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The moving truck was operated by DN Van Lines of Massachusetts which was in the process of moving a resident into the home at 13 Acorn Street when the fire occurred.
Maine State Police Investigates Crash on I-295 in Freeport
FREEPORT—On Monday, September 14, 2026, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Maine State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-295 northbound near mile marker 20 in Freeport. When Troopers arrived, they found a Volvo XC60 approximately 60 feet off the roadway in a wooded area and fully engulfed in flames.
Prior to the arrival of first responders, passing motorists stopped and were able to pull the driver from the vehicle and get him to safety. Freeport and Yarmouth firefighters responded and extinguished the fire, which had begun spreading into the surrounding wooded area.
The driver was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland with minor injuries. The motorists who assisted the driver were treated at the scene for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. It was later determined that the driver had experienced a medical event prior to the crash.
I-295 northbound was closed for approximately 40 minutes while emergency crews worked at the scene. Traffic was diverted at Exit 17 by Yarmouth Police. Freeport Police assisted at the scene.
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.