Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Members of the Presque Isle Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies came close to arresting a suspect Friday, Sept. 28, in connection with a rash of car burglaries that occurred throughout the city over the last week. Police responded to a reported sighting of the suspect near the Aroostook Centre Mall on Friday. Several officers responded, spreading out behind the mall, focusing on the area along the Aroostook River. At one point, the suspect was spotted crossing the river attempting to evade police. Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge, of the PIPD, and Chief Joe Bubar, of the Fort Fairfield Police Department, followed.
“We found the water was only chest deep, so we were able to wade across. We lost him in the thick brush once we got to shore,” said Selfridge.
Selfridge said the suspect was later spotted running in the woods off the Higgins Road.
Selfridge said the department wasn’t sure but believed the suspect could be connected to a stolen car case currently under investigation.
Selfridge said Officer Kevin Schumacher and Hunter, the PIPD’s tracking K-9, were called in to attempt to locate the individual on Friday. Due to the terrain, Hunter was unable to maintain the track. Schumacher and Hunter were also involved in a track following the reported car burglaries. That track led to a local business, where information was obtained that gave police enough information to seek a warrant.
Units from the Border Patrol and Maine State Police joined members of the PIPD in pursuing the suspect on Friday.
On Tuesday, Oct. 2, Selfridge said the stolen vehicle had been spotted in Massachusetts.
“I was notified by the Massachusetts State Police that they had assisted the Milton Police Department in a high speed chase involving the stolen 1994 Dodge Intrepid. The officers subsequently lost the vehicle.
A warrant has been issued in connection with the car burglaries but the perpetrator had not been identified as of presstime.
If caught, the person faces four counts of Class D burglary of a motor vehicle, one count of Class C burglary of a motor vehicle, as well as five counts of Class C theft, and one Class C charge of violating bail conditions.
If anyone has information in connection with any of these cases, contact the PIPD at 764-4476. The department is reminding residents to lock their vehicles and remove valuables or keep them out of sight.
