‘Shots fired’ complaint brings Sheriff’s deputies to Macwahoc

    MACWAHOC — Saturday evening, Aroostook and Penobscot County Sheriff’s deputies, joined by Maine state troopers, responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence on Route 2A in Macwahoc.
    Neighbors reported to Aroostook County Sheriff’s dispatchers that they could hear shots being fired, windows breaking, and a truck operating recklessly around the residence. According to police, witnesses reported that Brent Burleigh, 49, of Lincoln, was breaking windows and yelling. Shots from a firearm were also reported to be coming from inside and outside the residence. The caller reported it sounded like Burleigh was trying to find a female friend and was very agitated.
    Macwahoc is in southern Aroostook County between Mattawamkeag and Sherman, and is home to the southern junction of Routes 2 and 2A.
    Deputies from Aroostook and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Offices and Maine state troopers from the Houlton and Orono barracks converged on the area. Officers entered and cleared the residence, determining that the 45-year-old female resident had left the house and taken shelter with other neighbors. An exhaustive search of area roads, trails and other buildings by deputies and a state police K9 team was conducted.  Burleigh was found in a wooded area behind the home and surrendered to officers without resistance.
    Extensive damage was done to the home and a vehicle in the yard, with most of the first floor being destroyed. The rifle, believed to have been fired earlier, was found broken into two pieces in the debris of the first floor.
    Burleigh was arrested and charged with reckless conduct with a firearm and criminal mischief. He was taken to the Aroostook County jail where he remained until posting $500 bail. His bail conditions prohibit him from possessing firearms, dangerous weapons and alcohol. He is also required to submit to search and testing at the request of any law enforcement officer. Finally, he is prohibited from being in the vicinity of the incident and from having contact with the victim.
    This case is still under investigation and more serious charges may be filed following a review of the facts by the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office.
    This is the second serious, dangerous domestic disturbance in southern Aroostook since Friday. The other incident occurred in Silver Ridge, an adjoining town, on Friday morning and was reported in a release earlier today. No injuries were reported in either incident.
    The department’s domestic violence detective will be conducting follow-up investigation on both incidents in the coming days. Sheriff Madore announced earlier this year that the position has been funded again for another year. The department places great value on that resource and on the partnerships with domestic violence victim advocacy groups.
    Anyone with information on criminal activity may call the Sheriff’s Office at 800-432-7842 or Aroostook County Crimestoppers at 800-648-TIPS.