Search continues for stolen supplies
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the Presque Isle Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating building supplies stolen over a year ago from the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club.
“On or about Sept. 6, 2009, the PISC was burglarized while in a phase of its reconstruction, following a devastating fire that destroyed the clubhouse earlier in the year. Stolen in the crime were many expensive windows and other building materials valued at approximately $10,000,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge, PIPD.
According to Selfridge, Officer Kevin Reed, PIPD, was assigned to the case and, over time, was able to make an arrest in connection with the theft.
“Officer Kevin Reed developed leads that led to 47-year-old Richard Larson Jr., of Crouseville, being charged with the crime. Larson is presently incarcerated in the Aroostook County Jail on a related charge of tampering with a witness,” Selfridge said.
Selfridge said the majority of the stolen construction stock was recovered where it was discarded and damaged in a remote forested site.
Not all of the items taken have been recovered however.
“Some of the costly windows were not located. Intelligence suggests that they may have been installed in a local remodeling or small construction project, with the innocent owner of the property not knowing the windows were stolen,” said Selfridge. “The PIPD is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the remaining two sizes of windows.”
The windows are described as measuring 5 feet by 4 feet and 4 feet by 22 inches, with a medium brown trim that even may have been repainted to disguise the true color, noted Selfridge.
“If you have any information or were victimized by this after-the-fact awareness of stolen property used in your project, call the PIPD at 764-4476 or Crimestoppers at 800-638-8477 (TIPS),” said Selfridge.
