Perkins arrested following two-week search
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Police arrested a local man on Thursday who was wanted in connection with an armed assault earlier this month, after the suspect reportedly called an MDEA agent by mistake to arrange a drug purchase.
The Presque Isle Police Department received a tip from an anonymous caller around 6:31 p.m. on Nov. 17 indicating they knew where John K. Perkins, 24, of Presque Isle was located. Officers Kevin Reed, Cole Chandler and Lynn Hartley responded to a Jordan Street residence the caller had indicated, where they located Perkins and subsequently arrested him and charged him in connection with the armed robbery earlier in the month.
Police have been looking for Perkins since Nov. 3, when a 26-year-old local man reported giving Perkins and Nicholette A. Martin, 29, of Presque Isle, a ride that turned into an armed assault. The man told police that the pair robbed him and had taken his car. Later that day, Martin turned herself in at the PIPD. Perkins was able to avoid police until he was captured last week.
Dep. Chief Laurie Kelly, PIPD, said an official with the MDEA notified the department Thursday evening that Perkins had reportedly contacted an agent, inquiring if he’d like to take part in a drug exchange. It appears Perkins may have dialed a wrong number, getting the agent by mistake. Kelly said the agent set up the deal and then called the PIPD to share the information.
MDEA Division Commander Darrell Crandall confirmed Perkins planned to trade marijuana for prescription medication.
According to Kelly, Perkins sent his sister, 20-year-old Lacie Gagnon, of Presque Isle, in his place to make the exchange. Gagnon was subsequently arrested by the MDEA and charged with trafficking in marijuana and violation of condition of release.
It was after this that PIPD officers arrested Perkins. At the time of his arrest, Perkins indicated he’d taken several pills with alcohol. Kelly indicated Perkins had reported similar behavior during prior arrests. Perkins was taken by police to The Aroostook Medical Center. Once medically cleared, Perkins was charged with robbery, theft and criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon.
Also assisting with the investigation were Sgt. Eric Erickson and Officer Larry Fickett.
