Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
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Tremont—On Friday, October 30, 2026, at approximately 11:43 a.m., a Tremont resident reported an animal in distress in their attic.
Southwest Harbor Officer Kollin McLean responded and entered the attic space.
Upon entering the attic, Officer McLean witnessed the intruder, a squirrel, “remove itself from the residence.”
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, October 26, 2026
Officer Kaleb Payson and Officer Zack Kline responded to a domestic disturbance at a Bar Harbor business and determined that the event was verbal in nature and that no crime had been committed. The people involved were given disorderly conduct warnings and separated for the night.
Following a parking complaint on Hancock Street in Bar Harbor, parking enforcement responded to the area and determined that the offending vehicle had already left.
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Gleason assisted a transient person with transportation needs in Bar Harbor.
Officer Tim Frost is investigating a possible theft from a Bar Harbor residence.
Sgt. Doug Brundrett is investigating possible counterfeit money being used at a Bar Harbor business.
Officer Frost fingerprinted someone at the Bar Harbor Police Department for an application process.
Margaret Houghton, 64, of Mount Desert, was backing the Town of Mount Desert’s 2013 International fire engine into a bay at the Somesville Fire Station and did not realize that a compartment door was still open. The door hit the building and caused damage to the building and a minor dent to the door. There was no reported personal injury.
Officer Nathan Formby contacted the owner of an improperly parked car in Bar Harbor and the owner of the vehicle moved it.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Following a complaint of animal trespass by a Bar Harbor resident, Sgt. Brundrett warned the animal’s owner for allowing the trespass by the animal.
Sgt. Brundrett responded to the area of Park Street in Bar Harbor for a motor vehicle complaint but was unable to locate the vehicle involved.
Sgt. Jerrod Hardy received a report of a package theft from a Bar Harbor mailbox.
Officer Formby responded to a report of erratic motor vehicle operation in Bar Harbor and determined that the driver was having a medical issue.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Officer Ted Cake documented a delayed report of a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert.
Officer Liam Harrington responded to a Bar Harbor business for a report of suspicious activity.
Someone requested a well-being check on a Bar Harbor resident and Officer Harrington found them to be fine.
Sgt. Soren Sundberg assisted someone with a civil issue in Bar Harbor.
A Bar Harbor resident reported being able to see three vehicles parked on a private road near his residence via his security camera. Sgt. Hardy responded but did not locate any vehicles or see anything out of the ordinary.
Following a report of a woman screaming at a Bar Harbor hotel, Sgt. Hardy responded and determined that it was a verbal domestic along with some mental health issues. No crimes were committed.
Officer Kline performed a well-being check on a Bar Harbor resident and found them to be fine.
A sailboat with a dead engine was towed into Bar Harbor’s harbor by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Officer T. Cake performed a keep the peace in Bar Harbor.
Someone reported a vehicle making bad passes on Route 3 in Bar Harbor, but all officers were busy on other calls and could not locate the vehicle.
Sgt. Sundberg served paperwork to someone in Bar Harbor.
After someone reported an intoxicated man walking in Bar Harbor, Officer T. Cake located the man who advised that he was all set and was heading home.
Officer Justin Burnett served court paperwork to someone in Mount Desert.
Friday, October 30, 2026
Officer Elias Burne performed a well-being check on an “incorrigible” juvenile in Bar Harbor and determined that the juvenile was fine.
Officer Amie Cake assisted with the Mount Desert Elementary School Halloween parade.
Sgt. Chris Dickens assisted another agency with conducting an interview in Bar Harbor.
Officer Troy Stanwood arrested Matthew Levesque, 20, of Southwest Harbor, in Bar Harbor, for driving to endanger and criminal speed (30+ MPH over the posted speed limit). Levesque was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Sgt. Hardy and Officer Caleb Mora worked an outside detail at a high school football playoff game in Bar Harbor.
Officer A. Cake received a report of possible fraud in Mount Desert.
Sgt. Sundberg received a report of a missing person in Bar Harbor. The person was quickly found and reunited with family.
Sgt. Chris Dickens took a report of a political sign being taken from a public right of way in Bar Harbor.
Officers performed traffic control on Ledgelawn Avenue in Bar Harbor for Halloween.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Ganesh Reddy, 56, of Bar Harbor, was arrested on an active arrest warrant. Reddy was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Officer Zach Alexander received a report of intoxicated people in Bar Harbor, warned the people for disorderly conduct, and transported them to their hotel.
Officer Alexander received another report of intoxicated people in Bar Harbor. One person was warned for disorderly conduct and transported to their hotel.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Alexander arrested Christopher Walker, 25, of Augusta, GA, for driving to endanger and operating without a license. Walker was summonsed and released.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Formby arrested Keegan Curtin, 38, of Ellsworth, for operating under the influence. Curtin was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
Sgt. Dickens performed a well-being check on an intoxicated person in Bar Harbor and determined that they needed medical attention. The person was placed into the care of the Bar Harbor Fire Department.
Officer Frost responded to a report of suspicious activity at a Bar Harbor church and determined that nothing concerning was occurring.
Sgt. Sundberg assisted the Southwest Harbor Police Department by performing a well-being check on a pedestrian in Tremont. The pedestrian was all set.
Someone dropped off a roaming dog at the Bar Harbor Police Department where the dog was reunited with its owner.
The Bar Harbor Police Department received a motor vehicle complaint regarding a vehicle that was heading off island but no officers were in a position to intercept the vehicle.
Sgt. Dickens took a report of dogs running loose on a Bar Harbor property.
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, October 26, 2026
Officer Bradley Russell responded to a parking complaint in Tremont but found no vehicles in the area of the complaint.
Following a report of suspicious activity at a Southwest Harbor residence, Officer Russell responded and discovered several faulty alarms. The keyholder for the residence resolved the alarm issue.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Officer Abigail Armistead assisted a Southwest Harbor resident with getting back into their residence after they had become locked out.
Following a 911 call regarding a possible missing person in Tremont, Officer Armistead was able to locate the person and found them to be in good health.
Officer Armistead fingerprinted someone at their request, at the Southwest Harbor Police Department, for employment purposes.
A Southwest Harbor resident reported a possible fraud attempt to Officer Armistead.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Officer Eli Brown assisted someone in Tremont with an issue involving their motor vehicle registration.
Officer Brown performed security checks on two buildings in Tremont and found them both to be secure.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
No reportable incidents.
Friday, October 30, 2026
After receiving a residential burglar alarm for a residence in Tremont, Sgt. Rick Graham was told to disregard by the alarm company staff who stated that the person at the residence had given the proper passcode.
Officer McLean issued a Southwest Harbor resident a no trespass warning.
Sgt. Graham and Officer McLean directed traffic during the Pemetic School’s Halloween parade.
Officer McLean provided information to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Officer McLean performed a security check on two Southwest Harbor businesses.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
No reportable incidents.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Sgt. Graham arrested Violette Mallory, 26, of Southwest Harbor, in Southwest Harbor, on an active arrest warrant for failure to appear and transported Mallory to the Hancock County Jail.
Someone requested a well-being check on a pedestrian in Tremont, but Sgt. Graham was off the island transporting someone to jail. Sgt. Soren Sundberg of the Bar Harbor Mount Desert Police Department checked on the pedestrian and found them to be all set.
Sgt. Graham located a roaming dog on Main Street in Southwest Harbor and returned it to its owner.
Sgt. Graham performed a requested well-being check on a Southwest Harbor resident and found them to be safe and healthy and under the care of friends.
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 — (3) Route 3 – Otter Creek Drive – Route 3
MOUNT DESERT — None reported.
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.
MDEA Arrests Four for Aggravated Drug Trafficking in Augusta
AUGUSTA—For the past month Maine Drug Enforcement Agents have been conducting an investigation at 7 Rebecca Lane in Augusta for drug trafficking. This investigation included surveillance, and an undercover purchase of drugs from the residence.
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, MDEA Agents and the Augusta Police Department executed a search warrant at 7 Rebecca Lane. It was determined that the occupants attempted to conceal or destroy the drugs by flushing them in the toilet of the residence. Agents opened the septic tank and recovered several baggies of cocaine. The search of the residence revealed 140 grams of cocaine, $5150 in suspected drug proceeds, and a firearm.
The four people arrested are:
- Javonne Davis, 33, of Augusta, for aggravated trafficking schedule “W” drugs.
- Daniel Couto, 35, of Augusta, for aggravated trafficking schedule “W” drugs.
- Peter Bathgate, 50, of Augusta, for aggravated trafficking schedule “W” drugs.
- Bethany Olive, 39, of Augusta, for aggravated trafficking schedule “W” drugs.
The estimated street value of all the drugs seized is $14,000
Bail was set for each person at $250,000 cash
The investigation continues and additional arrests are expected.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Maine State Police Identify and Charge Driver in Pittsfield Construction Zone Crash
PITTSFIELD—The Maine State Police have identified and charged the driver involved in an October 14, 2026, crash that injured a construction worker on Interstate 95 in Pittsfield. 22-year-old Jonathan McDonald of Laconia, New Hampshire, was issued a summons for the following charges:
- Accident involving death or personal injury.
- Driving to endanger.
- Failing to file an accident report.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:17 am in the northbound construction zone near mile marker 150 in Pittsfield. Investigators determined that a pickup truck towing a black dump trailer struck a concrete Jersey barrier, causing a construction barrel to strike 56-year-old Richard Smart, of Westfield, who was working in the construction zone. The driver continued northbound without stopping.
Smart was transported to Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. The Maine State Police would like to thank the members of the public who came forward with information and provided tips that assisted investigators.
Maine State Police Make Arrest in Death of Milford Infant
MILFORD—After a nearly ten-month long investigation, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit- North Detectives facilitated the arrest of 37-year-old Shane McLaughlin, of Milford, for the crime of manslaughter related to the death of his 13-month-old daughter Eleanora Ray McLaughlin, in Milford on December 28, 2025.
Shane McLaughlin was also charged with three counts of child endangerment. An autopsy conducted at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta determined Eleanora’s cause of death to be hypothermia.
Shane McLaughlin was booked at the Penobscot County Jail and is expected to make his initial appearance at the Penobscot County Judicial Center in Bangor in the near future. The case is being prosecuted by the Maine Attorney General Office. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit-North was assisted by the Maine State Police Northern Field Troop.
Anyone with information related to this case should please 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 Major Crimes Unit – North via an on-line tip portal. https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/about/report-crime.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Structure Fire in Skowhegan
SKOWHEGAN—On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at approximately 1:11 a.m., the Skowhegan Fire Department, along with mutual aid departments, responded to a reported structure fire at 555 North Avenue in Skowhegan. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a home heavily involved in fire. Fire crews worked to suppress the flames and were able to bring the fire under control.
The residence sustained extensive fire damage. The Skowhegan Fire Department requested assistance from the Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. Investigators learned that the residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire and that a woodstove had reportedly been used to heat the home. Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, investigators were unable to determine the exact cause. The cause of the fire is currently classified as undetermined, and the investigation remains open pending additional information.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Improper Disposal of Smoking Materials Likely Cause of Pittston Fire
PITTSTON—On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at approximately 4:08 p.m., the Pittston Fire Department responded to a house fire at 7 Stage Road. A family of six was displaced after the fire. Most of the residents were home at the time the fire was discovered. One elderly resident was transported to Maine General Medical Center for evaluation of preexisting medical conditions.
The fire originated on an exterior deck and quickly spread to a small mudroom attached to the residence before extending throughout the home, causing extensive damage.
An investigator from the State Fire Marshal responded to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation determined that the fire originated in the area of the exterior deck and was most likely caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials. The home was insured.
The Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind the public of the importance of properly disposing of smoking materials. Cigarettes and other smoking materials should always be fully extinguished and discarded in a sturdy, noncombustible container. Smoking materials should never be discarded in combustible containers, flowerpots, mulch, or other areas where they could ignite nearby materials. Even a small, smoldering cigarette can result in a devastating fire.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating House Fire in Harpswell
HARPSWELL—On Thursday, October 29, 2026, at approximately 4:25 a.m., area fire departments responded to 23 Smokehouse Road in Harpswell for a reported structure fire in a single-family home. Two occupants were transported to a Portland hospital for injuries sustained while trying to exit the building to escape the fire.
The injuries are considered non-life-threatening. Two other occupants were able to leave the building uninjured. Two dogs also made it out of the house uninjured. A team of State Fire Marshal Investigators were on scene investigating the origin and cause of the fire. The cause is undetermined at this time.
MDEA Arrests Three on Drug Charges in Biddeford
BIDDEFORD—For the past two months, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency has been investigating information that they received regarding a drug trafficking organization in York County. This intelligence received from MDEA’s local law enforcement partners and the public resulted in the identification of two main trafficking locations in Biddeford. Undercover purchases of illegal drugs were subsequently made from these addresses in Biddeford. The Biddeford Police Department and United States DEA assisted throughout this investigation.
On October 28, 2026, a judicial search warrant, along with arrest warrants, were sought and granted for two locations, 25 Lambert St. and 7 Harrison Ave., in Biddeford.
At approximately 6:00 a.m., on October 29, 2026, MDEA, Biddeford Police, USDEA, and the Southern Maine Special Response Team (SMSRT) executed search warrants at these two residences. Amanda Guidi, 45, of Biddeford, Wayne Bonnor, 50, of Connecticut, and Axel Harford, 37, of New York were arrested at these locations.
Guidi, was charged with four counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled “W” drugs (arrest warrant).
Bonnor was charged with unlawful possession of scheduled “W” drugs.
Harford was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled “W” drugs.
All are being held at York County Jail, and their respective bails have been set at $25,000 pending their initial appearances.
A search of the two apartments resulted in the seizure of 147 grams of cocaine and 58 grams of cocaine base (crack). Approximately $6,890 in suspected drug proceeds were located alongside the seized illegal drugs.
This investigation will continue, and additional arrests are expected.
The Maine State Police and the York County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in this investigation.
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 Investigate Crash Involving MaineDOT Truck in Standish
STANDISH—On Thursday, October 29, 2026, at approximately 1:47 p.m., troopers responded to a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a MaineDOT truck on Chadbourne Road in Standish. The preliminary investigation indicates that 32-year-old Merlin Maston, of New Gloucester, was traveling southbound in a Chevrolet Cruze when he fell asleep at the wheel and struck the rear of a MaineDOT trailer. At the time, MaineDOT employees were conducting roadway work.
One MaineDOT employee who was outside the truck was struck by the vehicle but reported no injuries. He was evaluated at the scene and declined transportation to a hospital. A second MaineDOT employee was not injured. Maston was also evaluated at the scene and reported no injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Investigators Seek Cause of Fatal Fire in Belfast
BELFAST—On Friday, October 30, 2026, at approximately 2:38 p.m., the Belfast Fire Department responded to a reported mobile home fire at 142 Back Searsport Road in Belfast.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions involving the mobile home. During fire suppression operations, they discovered a deceased individual inside the residence and requested assistance from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office.
A team of State Fire Marshal Investigators responded to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators examined the scene and recovered the deceased individual from the debris.
Investigators have narrowed the area of origin to a rear porch that contained a laundry area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The deceased individual was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an examination will be conducted to confirm the individual’s identity and determine the cause of death.
Two dogs also perished in the fire.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Driver Arrested for OUI Following Police Pursuit and Crash
BRIDGTON—A Connecticut man faces multiple charges, including operating under the influence, after leading state police on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash early in the morning.
The operator of the vehicle, Stuart John McClure, 32, of New London, was taken into custody near the crash scene. McClure is charged with operating under the influence, eluding, aggravated driving to endanger, and criminal speed.
On November 1, at approximately 12:30 a.m., a state trooper observed a 2015 Jeep Cherokee speeding and operating erratically on Route 302 in Bridgton. The trooper conducted a traffic stop. After initially stopping, McClure accelerated away from the trooper at a high rate of speed. The trooper, suspecting the driver may be impaired, pursued the Jeep for several miles before McClure crashed as he entered the causeway in Naples.
The Jeep struck the awning and porch support beams at Rick’s Café. McClure fled on foot but was found hiding in shrubbery along the causeway shoreline. McClure was transported by ambulance to Maine Medical Center, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Bridgton Police Department assisted Maine State Police.
Improper Disposal of Smoking Materials Displaces Belfast Residents
BELFAST—On Saturday, October 31, 2026, at approximately 5:08 p.m., the Belfast Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 10 Bluebird Circle in Belfast, involving a residential apartment building.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire involving the building’s exterior. Fire crews quickly began suppression efforts and contained the fire to the exterior of the structure, preventing it from spreading into the interior apartments.
As a result of the fire, seven tenants were displaced. One individual was transported to a local hospital after reportedly sustaining injuries while breaking first-floor exterior windows during the incident.
Investigators from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was accidental, caused by improper disposal of smoking materials.
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents of the importance of properly disposing of smoking materials. Cigarettes and other smoking materials should be fully extinguished and discarded in sturdy, noncombustible containers. They should never be discarded in mulch, vegetation, or other combustible materials near buildings.
Improperly discarded smoking materials can ignite nearby combustibles, causing serious fires, injuries, and property damage.
Generator Fire Destroys Two Outbuildings in West Bath
WEST BATH—On Saturday, October 31, 2026, at approximately 10:13 p.m., the West Bath Fire Department responded to 15 Abby Lane in West Bath for a reported outbuilding fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found two small outbuildings fully involved in fire.
Fire investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal were requested to respond to the scene to assist local fire officials in determining the origin and cause of the fire.
The investigation determined that the fire was accidental and most likely originated in the area of a portable generator supplying electricity to one of the outbuildings.
Investigators learned that the generator had been enclosed in a makeshift wooden box and covered with a moving blanket to reduce noise because of the proximity of neighboring residences.
At the time of the fire, the generator was operating and supplying power for lighting while a resident and a friend were working on a vehicle inside the outbuilding. The individuals reported that the generator suddenly shut down. Upon investigating, they discovered a fire near the generator.
Based on witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, investigators determined that the generator and its makeshift enclosure were the most likely source of the fire.
No injuries were reported because of the incident.
The Office of State Fire Marshal reminds residents that portable generators should always be operated outdoors in well-ventilated areas and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Generators should never be enclosed in combustible materials or covered with blankets or other items that could restrict airflow, trap heat, or create a fire hazard. They should also be positioned at a safe distance from buildings, windows, doors, and other combustible materials.
The fire has been classified as accidental.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Presque Isle Fire
PRESQUE ISLE—On October 31, 2026, at approximately 2:30 am, the Presque Isle Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at a multi-unit apartment building that also housed a commercial business.
During the initial response, firefighters determined that the fire originated in an attached shed and was linked to an ash bucket containing discarded ashes.
After extinguishing the initial fire, the Presque Isle Fire Department was later called back to the property for a second report of fire. Firefighters discovered additional fire conditions in the building.
Presque Isle Fire Department requested assistance from the Maine Office of State Fire Marshal to investigate the circumstances of the two fire responses.
State Fire Marshal investigators responded to the scene and conducted an origin-and-cause investigation.
Investigators determined that the original fire had continued to burn undetected within multiple layers of wall and roof materials, eventually becoming visible and prompting a second fire department response.
The investigation determined that the second fire was a continuation of the original incident rather than a separate one.
No injuries were reported.
The Maine Office of State Fire Marshal reminds residents and business owners of the importance of properly disposing of ashes from woodstoves, fireplaces, and other solid-fuel heating appliances. Ashes should be placed in a covered metal container and stored outdoors, away from buildings and flammable materials.
Even ashes that appear cool can still retain enough heat to ignite nearby combustible materials.
Proper ash disposal is an important fire-prevention measure, particularly during the heating season.
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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