What originally started as an early-morning burglary in Southern Maine ended up coming to a dramatic halt after a police chase, a crash, and multiple arrests that involved four juveniles and an adult.
The incident began around 4:48 a.m. on May 18, when officials received a report of a burglary at a business in Trenton.
The morning began with several “smash and grabs” at various smoke shops and cannabis dispensaries. The SUV that they were using to get around had also been reported as stolen.
Everyone who was involved was taken into custody, though it was discovered later that one person lied about their name and age, likely to avoid being treated as an adult.
Maine Thieves in Stolen SUV Chased by Police
According to a press release from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, just after the 4:48 am burglary in Trenton, the five suspects drove over to Ellsworth, where they went and burglarized a second business.
However, after this second burglary, a deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle after finding it on Oak Point Road and following it to Bar Harbor Road. However, the suspects fled after Lieutenant Brian Archer and a Bar Harbor Police Officer showed up.
Because the pursuit would have happened during the morning commute of various residents, the pursuit could not be done.
Fortunately, the vehicle was later spotted in Waldo County, where it crashed, allowing police to take everyone into custody.
Police Released a Press Statement
Four of the suspects were minors, though the single adult was identified as 18-year-old Larando Sweeting of Lewiston. He was transported to the Hancock County Jail.
The press release states that Sweeting had officially been charged with Class C Burglary, Class C Aggravated Criminal Mishief, and Class C Theft by Unauthorised Taking or Transfer.
If convicted, he could face up to 15 years total in prison and over $15,000 in fines.
Because of the ages of four of the suspects, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Police Department had to release a statement alongside the press release that reads, “The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office expects all commentors to maintain a respectful and productive space. Comments on this post are actively moderated according to our agency guidelines.
Per state and federal privacy laws, identifying details regarding the juveniles involved in this incident cannot and will not be released. Speculation regarding the race, identity, or background of the individuals involved, including any hate speech, discriminatory language, or harassment, is strictly prohibited and will be removed or hidden immediately.
Many commenters in the replies under the Facebook post about the press release applauded the police’s efforts. One person in particular wrote, “Sounds like all law enforcement agencies coordinated well together and did a great job and no one was injured in the process.”
Another person wrote, “Regardless of what happens, the officers did a great job, and the various departments involved did well in cooperating together!”
Currently, the case remains under active investigation.