Staff Writer
HOULTON – The Houlton Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating two local youth who’ve been missing for over a week.
Photo courtesy of Houlton PD
POLICE are seeking help in locating two Houlton teenagers. Kassandra D. LeClaire, 17, and Dustin Smith, 15, both of Houlton, were reported missing around Sept. 9. Houlton and Presque Isle police have been following leads but, as of presstime, have had no luck finding the couple, pictured here in a photo taken about one year ago.
“The department received a call Sept. 9 reporting 15-year-old Dustin Smith, who resides on the White Settlement Road, had not showed up for school,” said Chief Butch Asselin, Houlton Police Department.
“He’s considered to be an endangered runaway and may be in the company of his girlfriend.”
According to Asselin, the caller, identified as the boy’s mother, indicated she and her son had a disagreement over allowing his girlfriend over that evening and that that may have lead to his disappearance.
“The girlfriend has been identified as Kassandra D. LeClaire, 17, also of Houlton,” said Asselin. “She was also reported missing by her foster mother on or about Sept. 9. Both juveniles are missing and have been entered into NCIC (National Crime Information Center).”
Asselin said the boy had no means of financial support and took no clothing with him when he left.
“Smith reportedly has a history of not staying at home and may have clothing elsewhere to use. However, he has no money for food or shelter,” said the chief.
Smith is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown hair. LeClaire is about the same height and was last known to have blond hair.
Asselin said there are indications that Smith could be going as far away as New York, but that has not been verified. Smith also has ties to Presque Isle, through LeClaire who has relatives in the area.
“LeClaire reportedly has a sister in Presque Isle and may be communicating with people in the surrounding area,” said Asselin. “The mother informed the Presque Isle Police Department of LeClaire’s disappearance and they’ve been investigating.”
Both departments have been actively following leads but, to date, have been unsuccessful in locating the missing couple.
“Officers have looked a couple of places, but the leads given us have turned up nothing. As they (leads) come in, we’ll follow up on them,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley, of the PIPD.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the HPD at 532-2287 or PIPD at 764-4476.
