Car burglaries end in arrest
Juveniles charged
PRESQUE ISLE — Police have arrested two individuals and a third person is expected to be charged in connection with a rash of car burglaries that occurred in the Star City over the past two weeks.
The Presque Isle Police Department began receiving calls earlier this month, with callers reporting their vehicles had been burglarized during the evening or early morning hours. In most cases, owners reported the loss of loose change and various items from their vehicles. Reports came in from residents in various locations throughout the city, including Canterbury, Academy, Oak, Blake, Hardy, Barton, Exchange and Dudley streets, among others.
“The PIPD recently received numerous reports of burglarized vehicles. The majority of residents who were victimized reported losing change and small articles from their vehicles,” said Officer Peter Johnson, PIPD, who was in charge of the investigation.
With the public’s help, Johnson learned local teenagers were involved.
“I charged each of two local juveniles with several counts each of burglary, criminal attempt and theft,” said Johnson.
The investigation continues, Johnson said, and he expects to bring charges against a third local juvenile.
The PIPD continues to request the public’s assistance in the investigation.
“The PIPD is urging citizens to contact the police if their cars have been entered or if they have been the victim of a theft of property since July 13, so that police might recover the stolen property,” said Johnson.
Police also urge owners to lock their vehicles, no matter where they are parked and regardless of how long they plan to be away from the vehicle.
“It only takes a moment to lock a vehicle and helps secure your belongings. A locked vehicle deters criminal activity,” said Chief Naldo Gagnon, PIPD.
Anyone wishing to report having a vehicle burglarized or any other criminal activity is asked to contact 764-4476.
PRESQUE ISLE — A local teenager led members of the Presque Isle Police Department on a day-long search, when he escaped officers following his arrest for reportedly burglarizing a vehicle in the Friend’s Market parking lot.
A caller reported a problem at the parking lot around 12:43 p.m. on July 7, stating there were a “bunch of kids arguing in the parking lot” and that she’d heard them arguing about a pack of cigarettes and that she thought it involved something being stolen from a vehicle. The caller expressed concern that the argument would escalate into a fight and asked police to respond.
Officer Chris Hayes, of the Presque Isle Police Department, was assigned and responded. Upon arrival, Hayes spoke with one of the individuals, Dustin Badger, 
18, of Presque Isle, who reportedly admitted to stealing the cigarettes. Hayes advised Badger he was under arrest for violating his bail conditions. Badger requested permission to say goodbye to his girlfriend; Hayes agreed, but informed him that he was under arrest. Hayes then began speaking with another individual about what occurred. As he did so, Badger began backing away from Hayes. Hayes warned him, advising Badger if he ran, he’d be facing an escape charge as well.
Sgt. Eric Erickson arrived as Hayes advised Badger his “time was up” and to “come on.” Instead, Badger ran across the street, with Sgt. Erickson telling Badger this was considered escape. Badger ignored police and continued to run from the scene.
Officers Lynn Hartley, Larry Fickett and Brian McQuarrie joined the search for Badger. As the day progressed, citizens began reporting sightings via phone calls and Facebook postings. Badger was subsequently located later in the evening on Exchange St., taken into custody and transported to the PIPD. During his attempt to elude police, Badger reportedly assaulted his girlfriend, Marissa Littlefield. Police charged Badger with burglary of a motor vehicle, theft, escape, violation of bail conditions assault. He was transported to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.
According to the D.A.’s office, Badger pled guilty to all counts in Presque Isle District Court and was sentenced to serve 30 days in jail.
