Missing man has local ties
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing Freeport man, identified as 24-year-old Dean Levasseur, who was last seen Saturday night while attending Chickenfest, an annual party hosted by University of Maine students, typically held in Penobscot County.
Trooper Thomas Fiske of the Maine State Police said Levasseur was in one of the bands playing at the event, held in Howland, approximately three miles west of the town’s Interstate 95 exit off Lagrange Road.
Fiske said the last reported sighting of Dean Levasseur occurred around 10:30 p.m. April 21 when he was seen with a band mate behind the stage.
Chickenfest is held in secret locations each year and details spread by word of mouth. Fiske said when police learn of the site, officers respond and try to keep attendees from leaving. Penobscot County Sheriff’s officers covered the area that night and sent six deputies to control the situation. Hundreds were already at the venue when deputies arrived.
Fiske indicated many attendees parked miles away and hiked in, with party-goers leaving behind a great deal of trash on land used without the owner’s permission.
Levasseur reportedly has local ties. His sister is Deidre Levasseur Oliver, wife of Nathan Oliver, who directed the film “The Zombies are Coming to Town,” which was shot in Aroostook County a few years ago at locations in Westfield and Caribou. The missing man reportedly took part in the filming of the movie. Levasseur also has family in the County.
Several friends and family members have responded to the area Levasseur was last seen, to assist with the search. A Facebook page has been established to help collect tips and relay information about the investigation. Look for Search for Dean Levasseur. Nathan Oliver is also using his Facebook account, asking everyone to say a prayer for his brother-in-law and aid in the search if at all possible.
Fiske said the Freeport Police Department initiated an attempt-to-locate notice after Chickenfest. Levasseur is described as a white male, standing 5-foot 6-inches and weighing 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing a green jacket and blue jeans.
“Anyone with information on Levasseur’s whereabouts is asked to call the MSP in Orono at 866-2121.