Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Sep 22, 2026
The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Paradis Ace Hardware.
BAR HARBOR—On September 16, at approximately 1:41 p.m., Sgt. Doug Brundrett took a report of theft from a business on Main Street in Bar Harbor.
During the course of his investigation, Sgt. Brundrett determined that the alleged thief had accidentally left the business with a piece of jewelry that they had been trying on but had not paid for.
The person returned to the store and returned the jewelry. There are no charges pending in this case according to the weekly press release put out by the Bar Harbor Mount Desert Police Department.
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 14, 2026
Officer Tim Frost performed traffic control after a construction vehicle and trailer had broken down on the Eagle Lake Road in Bar Harbor.
MHL Gleason spoke with a Bar Harbor resident about medical needs and support.
Officer Zach Alexander performed traffic control on Eden Street in Bar Harbor until a broken-down vehicle could be removed from the roadway by a tow truck.
Sgt. Brundrett received a delayed report of harassment from a Mount Desert resident and documented the information.
Officer Alexander performed an escort in Bar Harbor.
Someone in Bar Harbor reported a theft to Officer Kaleb Payson but only wanted the information documented.
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Gleason met with a transient man in Bar Harbor and provided him with transportation resources.
Officer Frost attempted to serve paperwork on behalf of another agency in Mount Desert but determined that the person to be served does not live within the department’s jurisdiction, so the paperwork was forwarded to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Following an abandoned 911 call in Mount Desert, Officers Payson and Alexander were able to investigate and determined that a verbal domestic had occurred, no crime had been committed, and the people involved were separated.
Someone made a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert, but no officers were in a position to locate the suspect vehicle, so the complaint was passed on to the Southwest Harbor Police Department.
Officer Judson Cake performed a security check in Bar Harbor and found the building to be secure.
Following a report of an open door at a Bar Harbor business, Officer J. Cake found that the owner was inside of the building and made them aware of the open door.
Officer Nathan Formby assisted the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department with a call in Trenton.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Officer Formby gave someone a ride to their residence in Bar Harbor from the hospital.
After someone reported downed wires creating a traffic hazard in Bar Harbor, Officer Alexander responded and moved the wires from the roadway.
Officer Alexander performed an escort in Bar Harbor.
Officer Frost performed a vehicle identification number verification for a Bar Harbor tow company.
Sgt. Brundrett took a report from a Bar Harbor resident of a package that was supposed to have been delivered to them that was delivered to the wrong address and now couldn’t be found.
Sgt. Jerrod Hardy performed a requested well-being check in Bar Harbor on an elderly neighbor whose garage door had been left open. Sgt. Hardy found the neighbor to be all set.
Officer Troy Stanwood helped someone locate their car in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department on a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood gave a ride to someone in Bar Harbor from the hospital.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Officer Payson fingerprinted someone in Bar Harbor for non-criminal purposes.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg received information in Bar Harbor regarding a matter that is not a criminal offense “at this time” and documented the information.
Officer Payson is investigating a late report of a vehicle passing a school bus with its lights activated in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Hardy assisted the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Fire Department’s at a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood performed a well-being check on someone in Mount Desert and found them to be fine.
Officer Stanwood moved someone along who was camping on private property in Bar Harbor.
Officer Stanwood gave two intoxicated women a ride home in Bar Harbor.
Officer Liam Harrington took a report of a dog bite that had occurred in Mount Desert.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Following multiple abandoned 911 calls in Mount Desert, Officer Payson responded to the area of the calls, made contact with the caller, and determined that they were all accidental calls.
Sgt. Sundberg assisted another agency in Mount Desert.
MHL Gleason spoke with a transient person in Bar Harbor who was looking for resources.
Sgt. Sundberg assisted with de-escalating a citizen dispute in Bar Harbor.
Assistant Harbormaster Chris Johansen responded to a report of an adrift and unmanned skiff in Bar Harbor, located the skiff, and passed the information along to the Coast Guard.
Officer Ted Cake is investigating a report of fraud made in Bar Harbor.
Sgt. Sundberg followed up with information regarding a Bar Harbor taxi service.
A motor vehicle complaint was made in Bar Harbor, but all officers were out of position to locate the suspect vehicle so the complaint was passed on to a neighboring agency.
Officer Zack Kline documented a reported cat bite in Bar Harbor.
Officer Kline gave a ride to a Southwest Harbor resident from Bar Harbor to Southwest Harbor where the Southwest Harbor Police Department took the person the rest of the way home.
Officer Kline assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with a medical call in Bar Harbor.
Friday, September 18, 2026
Following a noise complaint at a Bar Harbor apartment complex, Officer Kline spoke with the resident who was the source of the noise and they turned down the noise.
A tree was reported to be down in a Bar Harbor roadway and the Bar Harbor Highway department was contacted to assist with the removal of the tree.
Officer Amie Cake documented a harassment complaint made in Mount Desert.
Sgt. Chris Dickens served someone in Bar Harbor a criminal summons on behalf of another agency.
Sgt. Dickens assisted the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department with a motor vehicle complaint in Trenton.
Officer Stanwood issued someone in Bar Harbor a cease harassment notice.
Someone in Mount Desert reported suspicious activity in Mount Desert, that they wanted documented, to Officer J. Cake.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Stanwood summoned Julian Stowell, 22, of Pennsylvania, for operating without a license.
Sgt. Dickens responded to a report of a possible special amusement permit violation in Bar Harbor and found that the business was not in violation. Sgt. Dickens made the business aware of the complaint.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Sgt. Sundberg took a report of suspicious activity in Mount Desert but could not locate the people involved.
After someone reported a vehicle that was being operated in an erratic manner on Sound Drive in Mount Desert, Sgt. Dickens located the vehicle and determined that the driver was not impaired.
Officer Stanwood arrested Dennis Cough, 78, of Bar Harbor, in Bar Harbor for harassment. Cough was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Justin Burnett issued tickets to two vehicles in Bar Harbor for parking in a no parking zone.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Officer Stanwood took a report of a missing adult and two missing children who reside in Mount Desert. With the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the Maine State Police, the three people were located deceased in Washington County.
Officer Burnett assisted the Mount Desert Fire Department with a medical call in Northeast Harbor.
Sgt. Sundberg spoke with some people in Mount Desert in regard to privately owned property.
Someone reported a man sitting on a bridge in Somesville. Through investigation, Officer J. Cake was able to determine that the man was fishing.
Sgt. Dickens assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with a possible propane leak on Cottage Street in Bar Harbor.
Someone reported intermittent lights flashing in the area of Bar Island and Sgt. Dickens responded, determining that the lights belonged to a nearby boat.
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 14, 2026
Officer Abigail Armistead was notified of a burglar alarm at a Southwest Harbor business, but the alarm was cancelled by the properties caretaker.
Officer Armistead performed a requested well-being check in Southwest Harbor but could not locate the person to be checked on at the given address.
Officer Armistead responded to a medical call in Southwest Harbor to assist the ambulance service, but the ambulance cleared the scene before she could arrive.
At the request of the Tremont Consolidated School, Officer Armistead went to the school in Tremont in regard to concerns about an absent student.
Chief John Hall looked for a vehicle that was reported to be driven by a possibly intoxicated person and heading into Southwest Harbor but failed to locate the vehicle.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Following a complaint from a Southwest Harbor business regarding disorderly customers, Officer Armistead issued the customers a no trespass warning for the business.
Officer Armistead assisted a Southwest Harbor resident who had locked themselves out of their residence.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
A couple of people inquired at the Southwest Harbor Police Department about temporary handicap placards and were directed to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Following a complaint from a Southwest Harbor resident regarding a neighbor who is continually trespassing on his property, and after conferring with Officer Eli Brown, the resident decided to send the neighbor a letter directing the neighbor to stay off his property. If that letter does not work, the neighbor will opt for police involvement.
Two motorists that were involved in an altercation on the road both ended up at the Southwest Harbor Police Department speaking with Officer Brown. After having time to talk and cool down, both motorists simply left and went their own way.
Officer Brown received a burglar alarm in Southwest Harbor but was cancelled while enroute to the location.
Officer Brown charged Hillary Gray, 35, of Tremont, with criminal mischief.
A Tremont establishment reported that two people gained access to the building overnight and stayed overnight. Officer Brown identified the people and issued them no trespass warnings for the property.
Officer Brown arrested Ezra Spofford, 33, of Tremont, for criminal trespass after Spofford entered a building in Southwest Harbor owned by a former employer.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Sgt. Rick Graham performed a requested well-being check on someone in Southwest Harbor and found them to be safe and healthy.
After a Southwest Harbor resident spoke with Sgt. Graham about an unfamiliar vehicle that had been parked in front of his residence for about four days, Sgt. Graham contacted the vehicle’s owner and told them that the vehicle would be moved.
Officer Armistead received a theft of services complaint in the Tremont area from a utility company. After investigating, Officer Armistead charged Anthony Menzietti, 58, of Tremont with theft of services and criminal mischief.
After the caretaker of a Southwest Harbor property reported seeing a strange man on the property via video camera, Sgt. Graham responded and determined that the man was a generator service man and was all set.
Officer Bradley Russell attempted to assist a man in Southwest Harbor retrieve his phone from where he had misplaced it but the business was closed for the day.
Someone in Tremont reported a vehicle that was being driven recklessly. Officer Russell responded to Tremont and spoke with the complainant.
Officer Russell helped get a Southwest Harbor resident get back home by assisting another agency in the transportation process.
Friday, September 18, 2026
After receiving a home alarm activation in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded and spoke with the homeowner who said that they accidentally set it off.
Officer Armistead performed a requested well-being check in Southwest Harbor and found the person to be checked on to be in good status.
The Southwest Harbor Police Department received a complaint regarding either an e-bike or motorcycle that was speeding on Seal Cove Road in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell served paperwork to someone in Southwest Harbor on behalf of another agency.
Following a report of dogs that were left in a vehicle at the Southwest Harbor post office, Officer Armistead responded and arrived at the same time as the dog’s owner arrived back at the vehicle. The dogs were not in distress.
Officer Armistead is investigating a report of a vehicle that passed a stopped school bus, that had its lights flashing, in Tremont.
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Officer Russell attempted to locate someone in Southwest Harbor on behalf of another agency but could not find the person.
After receiving a report of possible trespassing in Tremont, Sgt. Graham responded but could not locate any evidence of trespassing.
Sgt. Graham participated in the MDI Health Health Fair at the Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor.
Sgt. Graham fingerprinted a Tremont resident for reasons mandated by the state.
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Sgt. Graham assisted the ambulance service on a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Following a 911 call reporting someone trying to break into the caller’s house in Southwest Harbor, Officer Russell responded and arrested Taylor Sanborn, 42, no hometown given, for violation of conditions of release.
Monday, September 21, 2026
Officer Russell documented a broken-down vehicle in Southwest Harbor and no further action was required.
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 — (1) Seawall Road
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.
Maine State Police Investigating Motorcycle Fatality in Limerick
LIMERICK—On Monday, September 14, 2026, at 7:15 p.m., a trooper with the Southern Field Troop came upon a motorcycle crash on New Dam Road in Limerick. An unresponsive male, later identified as 36-year-old Dustan Moreau, of West Newfield, was located a short distance from the motorcycle with serious injuries.
Attempts were made by the trooper to resuscitate Moreau but were unsuccessful. Moreau was pronounced deceased on scene by Limerick EMS. Moreau was not wearing a helmet, and speed appears to be a factor as Moreau failed to negotiate a corner, striking a rock wall. The crash remains under investigation.
Maine State Police Investigating Tractor-Trailer Crash in Hampden
HAMPDEN—On Thursday, September 17, 2026, at approximately 3:27 a.m., troopers responded to the area of mile-marker 178 southbound in Hampden for the report of a tractor-trailer crash. Upon arrival, troopers found the tractor-trailer overturned on the shoulder. Troopers identified the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle as 59-year-old Mark Pearson of Raeford, North Carolina. Pearson received minor injuries and declined treatment.
The initial investigation indicates Pearson had fallen asleep, causing him to leave the roadway and to overturn.
The Maine State Police was assisted on scene by Hampden Police Department, Hampden Fire Department, Maine DEP, and Maine DOT. The Maine State Police reminds motorists to get adequate rest before driving and never drive while fatigued.
Maine State Police Investigating Domestic Incident in Limington
LIMINGTON—On Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026, troopers responded to a report of a domestic incident occurring at a residence in Limington. When troopers arrived on scene, a female victim was located and reported that her husband had physically assaulted her and threatened her with a firearm by pointing it at her. 32-year-old John Bechard, of Limington, fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival.
On the morning of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, troopers located and arrested Bechard in the town of Hiram. Bechard was transported to the York County Jail and charged with domestic violence assault, domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, domestic violence reckless conduct, operating with suspended registration, and criminal restraint. The investigation continues.
MDEA Arrests Gardiner Man for Three Counts of Aggravated Trafficking Schedule Drugs
GARDINER—For the past three months, agents from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency have been investigating a suspected drug trafficking organization operating in the town of Gardiner.
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, MDEA agents, with the assistance of the Maine State Police and Gardiner Police Department, executed a search warrant at 11 Gudrun Drive in Gardiner. The search resulted in the seizure of 468 grams of methamphetamine, 757 grams of fentanyl, 230 grams of cocaine HCL, and a firearm.
The estimated street value the drugs seized is $50,000.
Dameon Loucks, age 36, of Gardiner, was charged with three counts aggravated trafficking in scheduled “W” drugs.
Loucks is currently being held without bail at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility.
The investigation will continue and additional arrests are expected.
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.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates House Fire in Belgrade
BELGRADE—On Wednesday afternoon, September 16, 2026, Investigators with the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal responded to 983 Smithfield Road in Belgrade at the request of the Belgrade Fire Department to investigate a fire that occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. and resulted in the total loss of a residence.
Investigators conducted interviews and examined the fire scene. The investigation determined that the fire originated in the garage and subsequently spread to the detached residence. The occupants were home at the time of the fire and were able to escape safely. No injuries were reported.
During the investigation, investigators learned that welding activities had taken place inside the garage shortly before the fire was discovered. Due to the extent of the fire damage, investigators were unable to determine an exact cause. Welding could not be ruled out as a possible contributing factor. The fire has been classified as undetermined.
Fire departments from surrounding communities assisted the Belgrade Fire Department for several hours with fire suppression operations.
Maine State Police Investigating Two-Vehicle Crash in Grand Isle
GRAND ISLE—On Tuesday, September 15, 2026,at approximately 3:17 p.m., troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Main Street and Grivois Road in Grand Isle. The initial investigation determined that 38-year-old Jeffrey Cyr, of Frenchville was traveling northbound on Main Street while operating a 2022 Harley Davidson Motorcycle.
A dump truck was also traveling northbound and was attempting to make a left hand turn onto Grivois Road. As the dump truck was making the turn, Cyr attempted to went to pass the dump truck and struck the rear of the truck bed. Cyr was ejected from the motorcycle and came to rest in the roadway. Cyr sustained serious injuries and was transported to Northen Maine Medical Center where he is in critical condition. Cyr was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The driver of the dump truck was not injured.
The investigation is ongoing. Agencies assisting on scene were the Grand Isle Fire Department, Presque Isle Police Department, and the Madawaska Ambulance Service.
Maine State Police Investigating Deaths of Three Found in Submerged Vehicle
ROQUE BLUFFS—The Maine State Police is investigating the deaths of a Mount Desert woman and her two young grandchildren after their vehicle was found submerged in Pond Cove in Roque Bluffs Sunday morning.
61-year-old Sharon Bukulmez, of Mount Desert, was last seen at approximately 8:30 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026, leaving a family function in Jonesboro with her 5-year-old granddaughter, Kinsley Grubb and 3-year-old grandson, Sawyer Grubb, both of Bar Harbor. The three were traveling to Machias but did not arrive as expected.
After concerns were raised about their whereabouts, law enforcement began attempting to locate Bukulmez and the children. As part of that effort, the Bar Harbor Police Department obtained location information from Bukulmez’s cellphone, which indicated a location in the water near the boat ramp at the end of Schoppee Point Road in Roque Bluffs. Based on that information, the Maine State Police was notified and Troopers responded to the scene.
Members of the Maine State Police Dive Team and Maine Marine Patrol also responded to the area, and at approximately 7:00 a.m., located the vehicle submerged in Pond Cove. The bodies of Bukulmez and her two grandchildren, along with the vehicle, were subsequently recovered from the water.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Coast Guard also assisted on scene. The bodies were transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where autopsies will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. No additional information is being released at this time.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating House Fire in Farmingdale
FARMINGDALE—On Saturday September 19, 2026, at approximately 2:56 p.m., the Farmingdale Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 10 Roberta Street in Farmingdale. Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence heavily involved in fire. Following suppression efforts, the home sustained significant fire and smoke damage.
The homeowner, 60-year-old Colin Mulhern, narrowly escaped the residence and was assisted from the rear deck by a neighbor, who helped move him safely away from the burning home. Mulhern was initially transported to Maine General Medical Center in Augusta and was subsequently flown by LifeFlight to Maine Medical Center in Portland for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The Farmingdale Fire Department requested assistance from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal to conduct an origin and cause investigation. State Fire Marshal investigators determined that the fire originated on or near a couch in the living area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating House Fire in Standish
STANDISH—On Sunday, September 20, 2026, at approximately 4:24 p.m., the Standish Fire Department responded to 2 Old Standish Road for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fire at a two-story residence with an attached two-car garage. The garage was fully involved, with the fire extending into the main residence.
Firefighters conducted suppression operations and were able to prevent the majority of the fire from spreading further into the residence. The attached garage sustained extensive fire damage and is considered a total loss. The residence sustained extensive fire, heat, and smoke damage. Two vehicles were also destroyed in the fire.
The homeowner was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland for treatment of minor burns and smoke inhalation. One firefighter was also transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland after experiencing a medical issue at the scene. A second firefighter was treated at the scene and released for heat exhaustion.
One cat remains missing after reportedly running into the woods, while a second cat was transported to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment of smoke inhalation.
The Standish Fire Department requested assistance from investigators with the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators conducted interviews and examined the fire scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.
Maine State Police – Major Crimes Unit North Continues Search for Missing Hampden Man
HAMPDEN—On January 16, 2026, the Hampden Police Department requested the assistance of the Maine State Police with an investigation related to locating missing 78-year-old Douglas Dunphy, of Hampden. The Hampden Police Department had begun the investigation on January 15, 2026. Due to the complexity of the investigation, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit- North has taken responsibility for the search. Over the past seven months the Hampden Police Department, the Bangor Police Department, the Maine Warden Service, and the Maine State Police – Major Crimes Unit North have been working in partnership to locate Douglas Dunphy. Regretfully, extensive searches of Douglas Dunphy’s Kennebec Road residence and surrounding properties have not helped authorities in locating him.
As hunting season begins across Maine, the Maine State Police requests the public remain vigilant while in the woods of Hampden and the surrounding areas. Douglas Dunphy is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 210 pounds with gray hair and green eyes. It is unclear what clothing Douglas Dunphy was wearing at the time of his disappearance.
If a member of the public locates anything that seems related to Douglas Dunphy, or has relevant information they should call 207-973-3700 EXT. 9 and ask to speak with Det. Jennifer Fiske. Information related to this case may also be submitted to the Maine State Police via an on-line tip portal. https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/about/report-crime
Future media updates will be released as more information becomes available.
*The attached photo of Douglas Dunphy should not be considered representative of his current appearance or clothing.
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.
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