Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Police are asking for the public’s help in solving a burglary at the Administration Building of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs located on Northern Road. “We were notified of a burglary at the Micmac facility the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 22,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge, of the Presque Isle Police Department.
According to Selfridge, the incident is believed to have occurred sometime after 5 p.m. on Jan. 21. Police were notified of the burglary at approximately 7 a.m. the next morning.
“It appears a lone person broke through a window, stealing about $1,000 in cash and causing approximately $1,000 in damage to doors and filing cabinets in the Micmac Administration Building,” said Selfridge.
Crime scene forensics were done and evidence was collected at the scene.
Police believe only one person was involved.
“We have some leads but haven’t made any arrests,” said Selfridge.
Selfridge asked for the public’s help in solving the case.
“We’re looking for help from the public to catch whoever is responsible. We feel it’s someone who resides locally, based on tracks found at the scene,” said Selfridge, noting an investigation indicated no vehicle was used and the incident occurred on a very cold night, leading police to believe it was someone living in the vicinity.
Though there have been some recent issues involving disagreements among tribal members, Selfridge said the burglary doesn’t appear to be related to that.
“We don’t feel this is anything politically motivated, just someone going in to steal for their own benefit,” said Selfridge.
Assisting Selfridge in the investigation was Officer Kevin Reed.
The PIPD responded to a second reported burglary at a Micmac facility on Jan. 22. According to the police log, an employee of Little Feathers Head Start, also located on Northern Road, contacted the department at approximately 9:55 a.m. reporting that for the past two mornings staff had noticed footprints around their bus. The caller indicated on Jan. 21 it appeared like an unknown person attempted to get in the side door of the bus but couldn’t since the vehicle was locked. On the morning of Jan. 22, footprint evidence indicated a subject had again attempted to enter the bus, this time via the back door. When the driver arrived for work and started the bus, the back door alarm went off. The caller indicated no entry was made but wondered if this incident might be related to the one at the administration office.
A third incident was reported to the PIPD on Tuesday, Feb. 5.
“Last night a youth function ended around 9 p.m. at the Micmac Youth Center. It’s believed someone entered the building after that,” said Selfridge.
Selfridge said officials reported the incident upon arrival to the facility on Tuesday.
“Someone pried open the door, went through the building and stole a camera,” said Selfridge, noting that police don’t believe the same individuals were involved in all three cases.
“We don’t think this latest incident is related to the first case,” said Selfridge.
Selfridge is investigating all three cases. If anyone has information on this or any other criminal activity, contact 764-4476.
