Houlton resident arrested for shoplifting knives

HOULTON, Maine — Houlton Police could barely believe what they were seeing Monday afternoon when called to the Walmart shopping plaza.
At 2:50 p.m., police responded to a report of a shoplifter at Walmart. What they found was a 29-year-old Wytopitlock man trying to smuggle seven knives, as well as several wrenches and socket sets and other miscellaneous items.
     Officers Ezekiel Collins and Charles Wampler stopped Stephen L. Voisine Jr. as he was walking through the parking lot. A Walmart “asset protection officer” identified Voisine as a person who was allegedly observed to be concealing items.
“Walmart staff attempted to stop Voisine after he purchased a candy bar, but he ignored them and continued to the parking lot,” Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin said. “Upon searching Voisine, officers located seven knives, several wrenches, socket sets, flashlights, socks, a watch and an A/V adapter.”
When asked why he had these items hidden on his person, Asselin said Voisine responded that he always carries these items on him this time of year.
“When the officer lifted his shirt, he observed a large SOG hunting knife w/sheath, socket set and socket driver tucked into the front of his pants,” the chief said. “Voisine indicated that he always keeps items there.”
Value of the alleged items stolen was $686 retail. Voisine was charged with theft by unauthorized taking or transfer (a class D crime); violation of condition of release (a class E crime); and carrying a concealed weapon (a class D crime).