Theft spree ends in arrest
Photo courtesy of David Shaw
POLICE MAKE ARRESTS — Warrants were executed at 44 and 46 Micmac Drive on Oct. 19, with 23-year-old Steve Bouchard and a 14-year-old female being arrested and subsequently charged in connection with several recent shoplifting incidents at local retailers.
The State Police Tactical Team was called in to assist the Presque Isle Police Department, due to evidence that indicated Bouchard might have a weapon. Pictured are members of the Tactical Team outside one of the homes, speaking with Officer Kevin Reed, lead investigator of the PIPD.
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A theft spree involving shoplifting at local retailers, including Walmart, came to an end last Wednesday, following the arrest of Steve Bouchard, 23, and a 14-year-old female accomplice, from adjacent residences at 44 and 46 Micmac Drive.
“The Presque Isle Police Department obtained information from the stores involved, indicating the pair had stolen a large quantity of stuff — mostly electronic items, game systems — from Walmart predominantly,” said Matt Irwin, chief of the PIPD.
With that information, Irwin said police were able to “develop probable cause to execute a search warrant at the homes.”
Photo courtesy PIPD
STEVE BOUCHARD, 23, of Presque Isle, was one of two individuals arrested last week in connection with thefts of electronic equipment from local retailers. Here, Bouchard appears to be holding an assault weapon, which was later identified by police as an Airsoft gun, in a photo from Bouchard’s social networking account.
“Once we identified the pair, we found a picture on a social networking site that showed Bouchard holding a weapon. The photo was a bit grainy and we were unable to determine the exact make. Knowing he had a criminal history in Massachusetts for assault and domestic violence, and possibly burglary, a warrant was issued for his arrest,” said Irwin.
A warrant was also obtained for the juvenile, whom Irwin said had a criminal background as well.
Irwin said the State Police Tactical Team was called in, due to the uncertainty over what type of weapon(s) Bouchard might have in his home.
“We couldn’t tell from the picture if the guns were real,” said Irwin, noting the photo showed Bouchard holding what appeared to be an assault weapon, with a handgun tucked in his waistband.
Irwin said the State Police Tactical Team confirmed Bouchard was home and executed the warrant. The weapons were later determined to be Airsoft guns, according to Irwin.
“Both individuals were taken into custody without defiance. Both were arrested and taken to the Caribou Police Department to await arraignment,” said Irwin.
Officer Kevin Reed served as lead investigator for the PIPD. The thefts reportedly occurred over a three-day period. Police seized nearly two dozen items through execution of the warrants. Store surveillance had captured a man and juvenile female in the act of stealing items, including showing the girl taking items to the bathroom to remove security devices from the products.
Irwin met with Micmac Chief Richard Getchell after the warrant was executed.
“With a tactical team present, people noticed. I wanted to make sure he understood why we were there,” said Irwin.
Irwin said Getchell was very supportive.
“We’re trying to strengthen our relationship with the tribe. Getchell said they don’t condone such activity and was very cooperative,” said Irwin. “The PIPD is looking forward to continuing a positive relationship with the Micmacs.”
“We’re a community — Presque Isle and the Micmacs. The criminal element needs to understand there’s better cooperation on both sides,” said Irwin.
Bouchard is scheduled for a status conference in Caribou Superior Court on Jan. 19, 2012. Court date information is not being released for the juvenile.
