Police updates for Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, Tremont, State Police and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Feb 10, 2026
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BAR HARBOR—On February 9, 2026, just prior to 1 a.m., Officer Judson Cake spotted a BMW SUV on Sargeant Drive, in Mount Desert, that he and other Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department officers had been looking for at the request of the Ellsworth Police Department.
The driver of the BMW, Skylar Hughes, 29, of Ellsworth, was a suspect in a domestic violence assault incident that had occurred in Ellsworth.
When Officer Cake attempted to stop the BMW on the Summit Road, in Northeast Harbor, Hughes fled and a pursuit ensued.
The pursuit reached speeds of 80 mph and ended on Route 198 south of Abels Lane when Hughes drove over a pursuit termination device (tire deflating spikes) that had been deployed on Sound Drive (Route 198) by Officer Nathan Formby.
Hughes fled again, this time on foot.
Maine State Police officers had also been looking for Hughes’ vehicle and were in the area when the pursuit began and along with Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department officers, engaged in a foot pursuit. Hughes was located and apprehended in the woods off Butler Road.
Hughes was charged with eluding an officer, operating under the influence, criminal speeding, driving to endanger, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, failure to maintain control of a vehicle, failure to stop at a stop sign, and abandoning a vehicle in a public way.
Hughes was also likely charged by the Ellsworth Police Department with charges incurred from the original event that occurred in Ellsworth.
BAR HARBOR AND MOUNT DESERT POLICE LOGS
The following incidents occurred in Bar Harbor and Mount Desert last week according to the Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Police Department police logs, which is publicly released information.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Mental Health Liaison Melissa Gleason spoke with someone in Bar Harbor who was looking for resources.
Officer Liam Harrington worked a detail at Conners Emerson in Bar Harbor for a basketball game.
Officer Kaleb Payson documented a report of damage done to a vehicle in Bar Harbor.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Someone called the Mount Desert Police Department to give information.
Someone made a parking complaint in Mount Desert.
Officer Harrington took a report of a fraudulent rental post in Bar Harbor on Craigslist.
Someone contacted the Bar Harbor Police Department to apologize for their driving behavior.
After receiving a complaint of lost property in Mount Desert, Officer Ted Cake searched the area but could not find the lost property.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
After receiving a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert, Officer Payson warned the operator of the suspect vehicle for their driving behavior.
Officer Payson assisted another agency by passing along a message to someone in Mount Desert.
Officer Harrington attempted to locate a vehicle that was the subject of a motor vehicle complaint in Mount Desert but could not.
Officer Harrington responded to a report of an unresponsive elderly woman in Mount Desert but found that she was only sleeping.
MHL Gleason spoke with a community member in Mount Desert who was in need of social support.
MHL Gleason spoke with a woman in Bar Harbor who was experiencing grief.
Officer Nathan Formby contacted someone in Bar Harbor on behalf of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Officer Formby received some non-criminal information from someone in Bar Harbor.
MHL Gleason performed community outreach at the Bar Harbor Food Pantry.
Officer Troy Stanwood spoke with someone in Bar Harbor about a civil eviction issue.
After receiving a parking violation complaint in Bar Harbor, Officer Caleb Mora found that the vehicle was not in violation.
Officer Amie Torrey received an unsubstantiated report of an assault in Mount Desert. The report turned out to be made by a dementia patient who was then picked up by family members.
Officer Torrey assisted the Bar Harbor Fire Department with an activated smoke detector at Conners Emerson in Bar Harbor.
Officer Virginia Helton responded to a 911 call regarding a vehicle off the road in Mount Desert.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Formby arrested Rocky Igadna, no age given, no hometown given, for operating without a license.
Sgt. Chris Dickens spoke with someone regarding a civil issue.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Following a traffic stop in Mount Desert, Officer Mora summoned Anna Roberts, 40, of Trenton, for operating without a license.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Stanwood summoned Emery Bamford, 52, of Blue Hill, for operating after suspension.
Following a traffic stop in Bar Harbor, Officer Stanwood summoned Bradley Williams, 25, of Bass Harbor, for operating after suspension.
Officer Stanwood responded to a reported motor vehicle crash on Otter Creek Drive in Bar Harbor and summoned Robert Hamilton, 38, of Bar Harbor, for failing to report a reportable accident by the quickest means. Hamilton had been driving a 2008 Chrysler ASP south on Otter Creek Drive when the vehicle left the roadway, got pulled into a snowbank, and struck several trees. Hamilton then left the scene without reporting the accident. The accident was reported by a nearby homeowner.
Officer Formby responded to Tremont to assist the Southwest Harbor Police Department with a family fight complaint but was not needed.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Officer Stanwood attempted to locate a possibly impaired driver who was potentially heading to a business in Mount Desert from a neighboring town but could not locate the vehicle.
Officer Mora attempted to perform a well-being check on someone in Bar Harbor but discovered the person did not live at the residence any longer. The well-being check was referred to other law enforcement agencies.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Officer Harrington assisted a local tow company by providing emergency lighting at the scene while the tow truck pulled a vehicle from a ditch in Bar Harbor.
Officer Payson responded to a report of debris in the road in Mount Desert but failed to locate any debris in the road.
Officer Zack Kline performed a well-being check on someone in Mount Desert. The person asked for an ambulance and was transported to the hospital.
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, February 2, 2026
Officer Bradley Russell performed winter security checks on seasonal homes in Southwest Harbor. All of the homes were secure with nothing out of the ordinary detectable.
Officer Russell documented a report of an accident that occurred at a Tremont residence.
Officer Russell took a report of fraud from a Southwest Harbor resident.
After a Southwest Harbor resident locked themselves out of their apartment, Officer Russell helped them get back in.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Officer Rick Graham responded to a business alarm in Southwest Harbor but the alarm was canceled before he arrived.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Officer Graham responded with the ambulance service to a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Kristen Roulet was notified of a business alarm in Southwest Harbor but a business keyholder was able to cancel the alarm response.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Officer Russell responded to a report of an injured seagull on the side of the road in Southwest Harbor. There was an individual at the scene when Officer Russell arrived who wanted to bring the seagull to a vet and was allowed to do so.
Officer Roulet participated in a school read-a-long at the Pemetic School in Southwest Harbor as part of the school’s book fair.
Officer Russell assisted someone with getting back into their apartment in Southwest Harbor after they had locked themselves out.
Officer Russell took care of an animal complaint in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Russell responded with the ambulance service to a medical call in Tremont.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Officer Russell responded to a business alarm in Southwest Harbor but the alarm was canceled before he arrived.
Officer Graham performed a well-being check on a participant in the “Good Morning Quietside” program who was not answering their phone in Southwest Harbor and found the person to be fine. The person did not answer their phone because it was out of charge, so Officer Graham plugged it into their charger for them.
Officer Graham fingerprinted someone at the Southwest Harbor Police Department for employment purposes.
Officer Graham provided a bucket of sand to a Southwest Harbor resident and sanded their walkway as part of the “Sand for Seniors” program.
Officer Graham responded with the ambulance service to a medical call in Southwest Harbor.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Officer Graham responded to a business alarm in Southwest Harbor and found everything to be secure.
Officer Roulet performed a keep the peace for a business owner and former employee while the former employee removed belongings from the location in Southwest Harbor.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
After receiving a report of a possibly intoxicated driver in Tremont, Officer Russell was unable to locate the vehicle in question.
Officer Russell performed a well-being check on a participant in the “Good Morning Quietside” program who was not answering their phone in Southwest Harbor and found the person to be fine.
Officer Russell responded to a report of suspicious activity on a Southwest Harbor roadway and took care of the issue after speaking with the people involved.
After receiving a report of people having an argument at a Tremont residence, Officer Russell responded and was able to find a solution to the matter that instigated the argument.
Someone reported juveniles throwing snowballs at passing vehicles in Southwest Harbor, but Officer Russell was unable to locate anyone when he responded.
Monday, February 9, 2026
Officer Russell is investigating a report of harassment in Southwest Harbor.
Officer Graham performed a keep the peace while someone retrieved belongings from a Tremont residence.
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) Pretty Marsh Road
SOUTHWEST HARBOR — (2) One, no street location given. One on Long Hill.
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 Continues to 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 facts and circumstances of the case, the Maine State Police – Major Crimes Unit North was assigned to provide assistance to the Hampden Police Department. Over the following weeks 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.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service and the Hampden Police Department conducted a search of Mr. Dunphy’s property located on the Kennebec Road in Hampden.
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service and the Hampden Police Department continued conducting a search of Mr. Dunphy’s property located on the Kennebec Road in Hampden.
Regretfully, as of Thursday, February 5, 2026, Douglas Dunphy has not been located. Due to the complexity of the investigation, the Hampden Police Department has agreed to allow the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit- North to take lead on the investigation moving forward. However, the Hampden Police Department will remain in support of on-going investigative efforts as a key partner.
This is an isolated incident with no ongoing public safety concerns. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with relevant 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/major-crimes-unit-north
Fire Marshal’s Office Arrests Buckfield Man on Explosives Charges
BUCKFIELD—On Monday, February 2, 2206, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested 50-year-old Zachary Williams, of Buckfield. Williams has been charged with two counts of criminal use of explosives, a class C crime.
Monday morning investigators executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence on Allen School Road and seized several items capable of being used to manufacture explosives. Investigators further allege that Williams is responsible for an explosion that occurred on January 12, 2026, on Decoster Road in Sumner.
The explosion in Sumner was in a snowbank in front of an acquittances home.
Williams was transported to the Oxford County Jail, where bail was set at $500 cash. Williams has since posted bail and was released.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was assisted by the Maine State Police, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Buckfield Fire Department, and the Civil Support Team based in Waterville.
Maine State Police Investigating Shooting Death in Standish
STANDISH—On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at approximately 9:28 p.m., deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Kennie Drive in Standish following a report of an altercation. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased adult male at the residence. A second adult male was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit- South was called to the scene to assist with the investigation. The deceased individual was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy was conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
The cause of death has been determined to be a gunshot wound, and the manner of death a homicide. The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Thomas Foster, of Porter.
There is no danger to the public. The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released when it becomes appropriate to do so.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigates Fire in Biddeford
BIDDEFORD—On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Biddeford Fire Department responded to a report of a possible working fire at 297 Elm Street. Upon arrival, units located a garage with heavy fire and smoke showing from the garage door. Fire crews quickly initiated suppression efforts and were able to extinguish the fire.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital and has since been treated and released. No other injuries were reported.
The Biddeford Fire Department requested assistance from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office to determine the origin and cause of the fire. State Fire Marshal investigators worked alongside investigators from the Biddeford Fire Department and determined the fire originated from an electrical outlet issue, which caused extensive fire damage within the garage structure. Smoke and heat damage also extended into adjacent rooms.
The Biddeford Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Saco Fire Department, Arundel Fire Department, Kennebunk Fire Department, Old Orchard Beach, and Goodwins Mills Fire Department.
Smoke Detectors Alert Occupants to House Fire in Lincoln
LINCOLN—On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, shortly after 1:00 a.m., the Lincoln Fire Department was requested to respond to 208 Main Street in Lincoln for a report of smoke in the home. The home’s smoke detectors woke the occupants, who found light smoke throughout their home. All occupants were able to exit the home safely and call 911. While contacting 911 the occupants found that the rear of the home was on fire.
The Lincoln Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The home is considered a total loss. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist with determining the origin and cause of the fire. Investigators worked with the Lincoln Fire Department and were able to determine that the fire originated in a rear addition to the home. In the area of origin, a machine used for craft projects and a dehumidifier were located. It is believed that the crafting machine had been left plugged in while not in use. While the investigation is ongoing, the fire is considered accidental in nature.
*It is important to highlight the role that functioning smoke detectors played in alerting the occupants of the home. The working smoke detectors provided the sleeping occupants time to safely exit without injury.
Maine State Police Investigating Homicide in Augusta
AUGUSTA—On Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the Augusta Police Department responded to a shooting at a residence on Flagg Street in Augusta. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased adult male.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit – Central responded to assist with the investigation. The deceased was transported to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta, where an autopsy was conducted. The cause of death has been determined to be a gunshot wound, and the manner of death a homicide. The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old Billyjack Curtis, of Augusta.
There is no known danger to the public. The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released when it becomes appropriate to do so.
Maine State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Surry
SURRY—On Friday, February 6, 2026, at approximately 2:44 p.m., Maine State Police Troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on Blue Hill Road in Surry. The initial investigation indicates that a 2015 Subaru Forester was traveling northbound when it crossed the center line for an unknown reason and struck two southbound vehicles, a 2018 Honda Fit and a 2024 Ram 2500.
The operator of the Subaru Forester sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operators of the other two vehicles were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and later released.
The deceased operator has been identified as 47-year-old Mark Nevells, of Brooksville. The crash remains under investigation.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Denmark Fire
DENMARK—On Friday, February 6, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Denmark Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 316 E. Main Street in Denmark. Upon arrival, fire crews encountered heavy fire originating from the garage area of the structure. While crews were establishing a water supply, the fire intensified and caused two explosions within the main structure, creating unsafe conditions for interior fire suppression operations. Firefighters transitioned to defensive operations as a result.
The homeowner and two tenants were able to escape the residence prior to being overcome by the fire. The homeowner was treated at the scene for a minor burn injury. One firefighter sustained an injury due to a fall caused by icy conditions and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The farmhouse was a complete loss. An excavator was requested and utilized to assist with fire suppression efforts.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, preliminary findings indicate the fire may have originated from an electrical panel or a wall-mounted electric heater.
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to assist with the investigation in cooperation with the Denmark Fire Department. No additional injuries were reported.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Anson Fire
ANSON—On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a fire was reported at a home at 4 Winter Street in Anson. Fire crews from the Anson, Madison, Starks, Solon, Skowhegan, Norridgewock, and Farmington Fire Departments responded to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted the Anson Fire Department with the investigation. The cause of the fire was determined to be a malfunction of a kitchen stove. The fire has been ruled accidental. No occupants were home at the time of the fire. One firefighter sustained minor injuries while operating at the scene. Several household animals perished in the fire.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Palmyra Fire
PALMYRA—On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., fire investigators were called to a structure fire at 586 Lang Hill Road in Palmyra. Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence fully involved. The home was destroyed, and due to the extent of the fire, an excavator was used during suppression and overhaul operations.
As a result of the fire, four adults and two children were displaced. Fire investigators believe the fire originated in a second-floor bedroom, within a wall space that contained old wiring or a power strip but due to the extent of fire damage, the cause of the fire is undetermined. One occupant was treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital and was later released. Several household animals perished in the fire.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Oxford Fire
OXFORD—The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a garage fire that occurred at 60 Tiger Hill Road in Oxford Saturday, February 7, 2026, at approximately 9:20 p.m. Fire investigators responded to the scene during daylight hours on Sunday, February 8, 2026, working in coordination with the Oxford Fire Department.
Occupants staying at the residence reported that a portable generator may have contributed to the fire, as the generator’s exhaust was located in close proximity to a couch inside the garage. However, due to the extent of the fire damage, the cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. A house that is next to the garage was exposed to the fire, but firefighters were able to prevent significant spread, limiting damage to minor exterior impacts.
Fire Marshal’s Office Investigating Pleasant Point Fire
PLEASANT POINT—The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to a reported structure fire at 4 Lewey Lane in Pleasant Point on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m. Fire investigators determined that the fire originated in a bedroom. The cause of the fire was determined to be a 3-year-old child playing with a lighter.
The child’s mother, along with an 11-year-old and the 3-year-old, were transported to a local hospital for evaluation of smoke inhalation. All were treated and released. Investigators report that the parent has been cooperative throughout the investigation and will be working to obtain appropriate resources for the child.
The residence sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire.
Probation Hold Arrest Following Unrelated Maine State Police Activity
SOUTH PORTLAND—On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 4:20 p.m., the Maine State Police Special Victim’s Unit arrested 79-year-old Eliot Cutler, of Brooklin, in South Portland.
Maine State Police Detectives were in Cumberland County conducting separate, unrelated investigative activity and were at a hotel in South Portland when Cutler was encountered. During that interaction, it was determined that Cutler was in violation of the conditions of his probation.
After consulting with Cutler’s Probation Officer, Cutler was taken into custody and transported to the Cumberland County Jail, where he is being held on a probation hold. No additional information is being released at this time.
HANCOCK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
The following are the public releases from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Each image can be clicked on and expanded.
Unless otherwise cited, all photos courtesy of the Maine Department of Public Safety.
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