Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A local man is facing several charges in connection with a shooting at a Presque Isle business on Friday, Jan. 18.
The Presque Isle Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call from the owner of Autotech Plus, located at the intersection of Carmichael and Davis streets, at approximately 3:45 p.m. reporting a gunman inside the business. “The caller advised a man was inside the establishment with a gun and at least one shot had been fired. Officers Roger Ellis and Kevin Reed, of the PIPD, responded and arrested Walter Stewart, 46, of Presque Isle,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley, of the PIPD.
After entering the business, Stewart reportedly fired his gun once, with the discharge ricocheting inside the building. No serious injuries or damage were reported.
Stewart was charged with aggravated reckless conduct, a Class B felony; criminal threatening, a Class C felony; aggravated assault, a Class B felony; and he was summonsed to court for operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs.
Bail was set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 surety. Stewart was taken to The Aroostook Medical Center for evaluation, then transported back to the PIPD. Unable to make bail, he was transported to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton where he remained at presstime. He is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Caribou on April 25, 2008.
Reed is the primary investigator in this case. Assisting, in addition to Ellis and Seeley, was Det. Dale Keegan, of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Maine State Police.
Seeley gave no explanation as to why Stewart went to the business with a gun.
While police were at the scene, a call came into the PIPD from a concerned citizen reporting he had received a call from a friend, Walter Stewart. The caller indicated Stewart had been going through some emotional issues recently and he was concerned for Stewart’s wellbeing.
The case remains under investigation, with Seeley noting additional charges may be pending.
