DIXFIELD – Police are seeking help from the public in finding people involved in a prowling case, a vandalism incident and paddle boat theft.

At 5:30 a.m. Monday, a Pine Street woman reported that unidentified young males have been outside her residence between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on several occasions over the past two weeks.

“Anyone observing or having information about this type of activity is encouraged to notify a member of the department and to call 911 at the time of any similar incident,” said investigating officer Mark Dow. “Extra patrols will be conducted throughout the area in connection with this report.”

At 5:15 p.m. Saturday, officer Jeffrey Howe responded to a vandalism complaint at Mountain View Campground on Route 142. A canoe had been badly damaged and another canoe and paddle boat taken from their moorings, Dow said.

The missing canoe was later recovered but not the boat. While investigating the incident, Howe also received a report that an unnamed suspect had threatened possible witnesses to the canoe vandalism.

“Anyone having information as to the whereabouts of the missing paddle boat is encouraged to contact Officer Howe or another member of the police department,” Dow added.

In other police news, Howe is investigating a report of sexual abuse of a child that was filed at 11:50 a.m. Sunday. Dow would only say the allegations involve very young children and that the report is being investigated by both Dixfield police and the Maine Department of Human Services.

A Sumner man was arrested Aug. 19 in connection with a police chase down the Canton Point Road. Peter McPherson, 23, was charged with failing to stop for a law enforcement officer, driving to endanger, reckless conduct and operating without a license. He was also issued a summons for speeding.

Dow said the incident began on Aug. 18 when reserve officer Blaine Rackliff attempted to stop a speeding motorcycle on the Canton Point Road at 5:10 p.m. and the operator refused to stop.

“The fleeing bike nearly collided with children in the Canton Point Trailer Park before its operator fled into the woods at the back of the park,” Dow added, noting that McPherson was caught the following day.

Other summonses include:

• Nicholas Henry, 18, of Carthage, for operating an unregistered motor vehicle expired more than 120 days, on Sunday.

• Lowell Benson, 42, of Mexico, for speed and for failing to produce proof of insurance, on Aug. 19.

• Robert Reid, 45, of Mexico, for speed, on Aug. 19.

• Nicole Hutchinson, 18, of Rumford, for speed and failing to produce proof of insurance, on Aug. 18.

• Mark Belanger, 40, of Rumford, for failing to produce proof of insurance, on Aug. 18.

• Glen Knox, 18, of Canton, for speed, on Aug. 18.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link