By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
On Feb. 24, a fair number of Caribou residents found out first hand that crime (or not) doesn’t pay — it can be costly, as they were “apprehended” at breakfast, lunch or at work by the fearsome Caribou Keystone Kops.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Even Caribou’s most well-known citizens weren’t safe from being “arrested” by Keystone Kops on Feb. 24, when Will LeVasseur, 85, was apprehended for being a “real great guy” during his lunch at Reno’s, and brought before the Kangaroo Kourt. From left are Keystone Kop Roy Alden, LeVasseur, Kop Mike Tardiff, Kiwanian Warren Dobson and Keystone Kop Judge Christie Herron.
The picture of intimidation, clothed in their long blue coats, official looking hats, carrying clubs and waving warrants, the Keystone Kops entered restaurants, banking institutions and office buildings, searching out their “victims” all the while boasting big smiles and creating havoc with their screeching whistles, uprooting individuals from their seats, transporting them to the Keystone Klink, at the American Legion Hall.
Ushered into the temporary jail, individuals found themselves pleading their innocence (to no avail) before Keystone Kop “Judge” Dean Rauch or Christie Herron, both of whom appeared to be much more interested in seeing the judge’s “Fishing Fund” jar being filled with dollar bills, than hearing the pleas.
Regardless of the crime listed on the warrants, rather one was arrested for being a good person or for doing something “bad” the “criminals” pled their case, eagerly paid their “fines” and still found themselves spending some time behind bars. While incarcerated they were offered coffee and pastries, along with having their “mug shot” taken and of course enjoyed a whole lot of good-natured conversation before being “freed” and returned to their original locations, by the friendly Kops.
All proceeds from the annual Keystone Kops event, sponsored by the Caribou Kiwanis Club, benefit local youth programs.
