By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
BRIDGEWATER, Maine — A dispute early Monday at a Boundary Line Road residence resulted in the arrest of two local men. “Shortly before 8 a.m. on Monday, a 9-1-1 call was received from the residence of Christian Rotter, at 277 Boundary Line Road in Bridgewater. Rotter reported James Peaslee had just been at his residence making threats. The caller reported that Peaslee brandished a ‘stun gun’ before leaving the property,” said Chief Deputy Darrell Crandall, of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.
Crandall said Peaslee also lives on the Boundary Line Road.
“As three deputy sheriffs were responding to the call, a neighbor called 9-1-1 reporting they heard gunshots in the area of the Rotter residence,” said Crandall.
When deputies arrived, they noticed the power line near Rotter’s home was damaged and learned the power was out.
“Deputies subsequently recovered an AK-47 rifle from Rotter’s residence that deputies believe was used to fire at least three shots into the air, damaging the power line. Additional evidence was recovered from the scene and Rotter, 59, was subsequently arrested and charged with reckless conduct with a firearm, a Class C crime; criminal mischief, a Class D; and prohibited possession of a firearm — by a convicted felon — a Class C offense,” said Crandall.
Following further investigation, Crandall said deputies also issued a criminal summons to Peaslee, 33, charging him with criminal threatening, a Class D misdemeanor.
“Rotter’s felony conviction is from June of 1991 in Washington County (Rhode Island) Superior Court, charging assault with a deadly weapon,” explained Crandall.
Rotter remains at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton, pending an initial court appearance on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
“It is not yet clear what sparked the feud between the two men, but the investigation is continuing. Luckily, no one was hurt during this unfortunate encounter,” said Crandall.
The case has been submitted to the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.
Information on this and other crimes may be reported to the ACSO by calling 800-432-7842.
