Police crack down
on illicit drug use at local complex
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A collaborative effort between officers with the Presque Isle Police Department, a property management team and concerned community members has led to several drug-related charges for tenants at a local housing complex.
“The Presque Isle Police Department, working in conjunction with the management team at the Helen Noreen Apartment Complex, has reaffirmed their goal of reducing and eliminating the use and possession of illegal drugs within that community,” said Chief Matt Irwin of the PIPD.
Cpl. Wayne Selfridge, Officers Lynn Hartley and Rob Thibeault, with the assistance of drug detector K-9 Dozer, searched several apartments on Rainbow Road on April 6, finding drugs and/or drug paraphernalia in all six units searched.
“Through a series of investigations stemming from past police encounters, anonymous reports, surveillance operations and close communications with community partners, the PIPD was able to generate several cases in which individuals have been summonsed regarding their illegal drug activity,” said Irwin.
According to the police log, those summonsed included Rainbow Road residents: Andrea Fitzherbert, 22; Lacie Anderson, 20; Gail Tiberio, 58; Kraig Kilcollins, 23; Tasia Thomas, 27; Melanie McLaughlin, 24; and Jay Conley, 57.
Irwin said investigations are ongoing and further arrests and/or summonses are likely as the PIPD “continues its course to reduce and eliminate illicit drug use within the city of Presque Isle.”
Police are asking the public to report any non-emergency events, including the use or possession of illegal drugs, to the PIPD by calling 764-4476.
