CARIBOU, Maine — After police received a tip that a local man wanted on four probation violations was staying at a Prospect Street address, three officers positioned themselves around the residence on Sunday and one of them knocked on the door.
That’s when patrol officer Eric Depner spotted suspect Damian Simoneau, 23, go out a window and start running, according to Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan.
Gahagan said Depner chased Simoneau down Sweden Street, toward Washburn Street, and to the Family Dollar (now Dollar Express) parking lot, where the officer caught up and pinned the suspect down at around 2:13 p.m..
Gahagan said Simoneau was arrested and housed at the local jail until he was transported to Aroostook County jail on Tuesday morning. The chief said Simoneau has a history with the department, including convictions for theft and burglary stemming from a burglary he was accused of committing at a Sweden Street home with his mother last year.
An official at the Aroostook County Superior Court in Caribou confirmed Tuesday that the probation violations were related to last year’s burglary. According to the court, Simoneau failed to report to his probation officer on March 2 and 20, failed to enroll and participate in substance abuse counseling, failed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,844, and failed to obtain permission from his probation officer regarding an address change.
For last’s years burglary, Simoneau had been sentenced to 48 months in prison with all but nine months and one day suspended. He also was sentenced to serve three years of probation upon his release.
If found guilty of violating the conditions of his probation, Simoneau could be ordered to serve the nearly 39 months remaining on his suspended sentence.
Simoneau’s court date is set for July 6 at Caribou Superior Court.
