Editor’s Note: An arrest or summons does not constitute a finding of guilt. An individual charged with a crime is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at criminal proceedings.
HOULTON, Maine — The Maine State Police Troop F barracks in Houlton responded to a number of calls for service during the period of Nov. 28-Dec. 4, including the following.
Monday, Nov. 28
WESTFIELD — Sgt. Clark, Trooper Roy, and Tr. Rider responded to a fatal crash on U.S. Route 1, Westfield. A woman was driving north on the roadway and came around a corner to find another vehicle driving in her lane. She could not avoid the vehicle and they hit head-on. A witness reported seeing the southbound vehicle speeding and not staying in his lane. The woman was transported by ambulance to Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital, Presque Isle, where she was pronounced dead. The male died at the scene. Route 1 was closed for several hours, in both directions, while the scene was being investigated. The crash is being reconstructed by Officer Kyle White of the Presque Isle Police Department.
CASTLE HILL — While investigating an unrelated incident, Tr. Rider was preparing to leave an apartment complex and noticed a man milling around his vehicle as if he was waiting for the troopers to leave. Tr. Rider recalled the man driving into the parking lot while he was investigating, and discovered the man had a suspended driver’s license and a warrant for his arrest (probation revocation). Tr. Rider arrested the man without incident and transported him to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.
Tuesday, Nov. 29
HOULTON — Cpl. Quint was driving through Houlton and observed a vehicle driving very slow, obstructing traffic, with its hazard lights activated. He stopped the vehicle, and the man stated the vehicle’s transmission was not working and he was trying to get it to a gas station. Further investigation revealed the vehicle was not registered or inspected, and the man had a suspended driver’s license. He was issued a criminal summons for operating after suspension and a warning for the other two violations. The vehicle was towed from the roadway.
SHERMAN — Cpl. Quint was driving to a complaint in Sherman and met a vehicle traveling at an excessive speed. The vehicle was caught on radar at 82 mph in a 35-mph zone. The man was issued a criminal summons for exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more.
Wednesday, Nov. 30
EASTON — Tr. Roy went to Easton High School to speak with the senior class regarding the history of policing, how it has changed, and current issues with law enforcement.
EASTON — Tr. Roy was approached in Easton by a bus driver reporting a vehicle that passed the stopped bus while a child was in the roadway. Tr. Roy got the video from the bus, located the vehicle, and was able to get the driver to admit, although she stated she did not see the bus. The driver was issued a criminal summons for the violation.
ISLAND FALLS — Tr. Merchant and Cpl. Quint responded to a medical call in Island Falls. An individual called in and advised that a male had flipped his ATV and was laying in the middle of the road. When emergency medical services arrived on scene, they found a male who was unconscious on the ground and bleeding. They transported him to Houlton Regional Hospital. It was found out that the male was intoxicated and had rolled over the ATV on himself. Tr. Merchant arrived at the hospital and spoke with the man. Tr. Merchant advised him she could smell the odor of an intoxicating beverage. The male was charged with operating under the influence/refusal. The male was summonsed for the charge in the hospital.
Thursday, Dec. 1
PRESQUE ISLE — Tr. Roy was conducting traffic enforcement in Presque Isle and stopped a vehicle, after a registration query, for suspicion of falsely attached plates. The driver stated she knew the plates belonged to her old car, and she admitted to not having a driver’s license. Tr. Roy issued the woman a criminal summons for attaching false plates and gave her a warning for driving without a license. Tr. Roy had the vehicle towed from the roadway and gave her a ride home.
Sunday, Dec. 4
CARIBOU — Tr. Roy was conducting traffic enforcement in Caribou and observed a vehicle passing two other cars. He clocked the vehicle’s speed at 94 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Tr. Roy issued the man a criminal summons for exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more.
MADAWASKA LAKE — Tr. Roy was conducting traffic enforcement on Route 161, Madawaska Lake Township, and observed a vehicle traveling at an excessive speed. The vehicle was locked at 86 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Tr. Roy issued the man a traffic summons.
