This story has been updated.
HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Police Department apprehended a person who had eluded them for most of Tuesday morning following an altercation on Bowdoin Street.
Benjamin Ireland, 24, of Houlton was arrested Tuesday following the incident. Ireland faces multiple charges, including burglary, refusing to submit to arrest, violation of conditions of parole and possession of a firearm.
The burglary charge stems from a break-in that morning at Shiretown Coins at Market Square.
According to Galen Wilde, the owner of Shiretown Coins, the suspect had broken into the store, which sells antique coins and other collectibles, smashing open the glass door to enter. The suspect also smashed a display near the entrance containing gold and silver coins. Wilde said thousands of dollars worth of coins had been stolen.
“He made an awful mess,” Wilde said regarding the robbery. “He dropped coins all over the floor too.”
Wilde said the perpetrator also took a revolver-type pistol that was on display in the store. The pistol was not loaded at the time of the theft.
Police had been searching for Ireland along the Meduxnekeag River early Tuesday morning.
Around 10 a.m., police responded to a call in the Bowdoin Street area where they located Ireland. Numerous police officers descended on the scene. Patrol cars from animal control and Customs and Border Protection also were present.
Shortly after their arrival, police called for an ambulance to respond and an individual was taken to Houlton Regional Hospital. DeLuca confirmed that the suspect was in custody.
