Bridgewater men charged after incident

Two Bridgewater men face criminal charges following a dispute on the Boundary Line Road Monday morning, according to Aroostook County Sheriff Deputy Chief Darrell Crandall.
Shortly before 8 a.m. Monday, a 9-1-1 call was received from the residence of Christian Rotter, at 277 Boundary Line Road in Bridgewater, reporting that James Peaslee had just been at his residence making threats. The caller reported that Peaslee brandished a “stun gun” before leaving the property, 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.
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 fired 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 (Class C), criminal mischief (Class D) and prohibited possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Class C).
Following further investigation, 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. Rotter remains at the Aroostook County Jail pending an initial court appearance on Wednesday.
“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,” Crandall said.
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 Sheriff’s Office by calling 1-800-432-7842.