Staff Writer
MARS HILL – Aroostook County Crime Stoppers is seeking help in solving the latest Crime of the Month involving the theft of three vehicles from the Mars Hill area earlier this year. The thefts occurred sometime between the evening of March 13 and the morning of March 14.
“It’s called joyriding, but don’t be misled by the name. It’s still against the law,” said Sgt. Shawn Van Tasel, of the ACSO. “Your help is needed in solving Crime Stoppers’ Crime of the Month.”
According to Van Tasel, squealing tires and erratic driving led to the investigation of three motor vehicle thefts in the Mars Hill area in mid-March of this year. At about 4 a.m. on March 14, the Maine State Police were contacted and an officer dispatched to investigate a pickup, with a headlight and taillight out, which had been following other cars in a suspicious manner.
“The trooper located the vehicle and as he was about to stop the truck, the driver hopped out and fled on foot. The trooper said he (the driver) was wearing a ‘two-tone jacket.’”
Van Tasel said the suspect got away but subsequent investigation revealed the truck, owned by Geary Bonville, of Presque Isle, had been stolen from behind a building in Mars Hill.
“The truck was taken from behind McCrum’s potato house on Lincoln Street in Mars Hill,” said Van Tasel.
That same morning, a white pick-up truck, owned by Franklin Kinney, was discovered at the Mars Hill Truck Stop located on Route 1.
“That truck had also been taken illegally during the night. A third pickup was also recovered. That vehicle had been taken from the Westfield home of Charles Hotham,” said Van Tasel.
Police are continuing to investigate all three cases. They are working leads and Van Tasel said they had some suspects in mind.
If you have information on this crime or any other crime, call the Aroostook County Crime Stoppers at 800-638-8477 (800-638-TIPS).
You do not have to give your name.
Anyone providing information this month that leads to a grand jury indictment on this crime is eligible for a $1,000 award.
Crime Stoppers will also pay for information on other felony crimes.
