Juveniles arrested for armed robbery
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Three juveniles wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a cab driver have been located, with two now facing charges in connection with the incident that occurred during the early morning hours of April 6.
Shortly after midnight on April 6, the Presque Isle Police Department responded to a report made through 9-1-1 that a Bangor cab driver — identified only as a 32-year-old male whose name was withheld for privacy reasons — had been robbed at knife point. The caller indicated he’d been hired to bring three male passengers from Bangor to Presque Isle for an agreed upon fee. When he reached the Houlton Road near the train trestle, the driver told police he was asked to pull over. The operator indicated it was at that time the front passenger brandished a knife and told him to give him his money. He told police at this point one of the passengers in back attempted to strangle him. The driver then put the vehicle in drive but the front passenger slammed the shifter into park, at which time he was able to get away from the three passengers. The operator ran to the Northern Lights Motel, where he was able to call police.
The cab driver was reportedly uninjured. The taxi, however, sustained damage when it went off the road.
Officers Kevin Reed and Larry Fickett, of the PIPD, where the first on scene and began a search for the three individuals, described as young males. Deputy Mitch Wheeler, of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, and his K-9 were called in to track the suspects. Border Patrol agents also joined in the search.
Sgt. Eric Erickson, PIPD, arrived to supervise at the scene, while Sgt. Mark Barnes, PIPD, processed evidence and fingerprints. Members of the Maine State Police and Officer Lynn Hartley, PIPD, also assisted in the investigation.
A lengthy search ensued, as law enforcement officials followed footprints that led them along the railroad track from the Houlton Road to the Chapman Road and finally to an area off Exchange Street, where the tracks ended.
Police received information on April 7, that resulted in the arrest of two juveniles from Hartland, a community located northeast of Skowhegan.
“As a result of the investigation into the armed robbery of a Bangor taxi cab driver in Presque Isle in the early morning hours of April 6, two Hartland youths have been arrested for felony robbery and misdemeanor conspiracy to commit robbery, theft, theft of services and assault,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge, PIPD.
Selfridge said law enforcement officers searched an area that encompassed four miles from the site of the incident. He indicated about $450 worth of property was reportedly stolen from the cab when the juveniles fled on foot.
The subjects were located the following day as they were being picked up by a family members of one of the youths. Because they are all juveniles, their names are not being released. The three were listed as being 15 and 17 years of age.
“Inquiries continued the following day and into the evening, resulting in their capture. Although at present, one 17-year-old was not charged, since he did not participate in the crimes. He was released to his parents, who are from Hartland,” said Selfridge.
Selfridge said charges were brought against the other two in connection with the incident.
“The two others are boys aged 15 and 17. Both have juvenile criminal histories, with the 17-year-old having a warrant for his arrest for being missing from youth detention center control,” Selfridge said.
Juvenile authorities were contacted and ordered the two held in custody. Both were held at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton.
“The 17-year-old was subsequently taken to the Mountain View Youth Development Center in Charleston. The 15-year-old was to be arraigned on April 7, at which time continued detention was to be requested,” said the detective.
Selfridge said all parents have been notified.
The 17-year-old was also charged in connection with the burglary of an area business.
“In addition to the above case, the arrested 17-year-old, who had a casual connection to the Presque Isle area, was also charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor theft and criminal mischief stemming from an incident where he is alleged to have burglarized the Industrial Street One Stop on Sunday, April 3. Restitution in the amount of $200 will be requested,” said Selfridge.
Police are also investigating the theft of items from a vacant house in the Exchange Street area that the trio is believed to have stayed in. No charges have been made in that case.
No information on court dates was available at presstime.
