CRIME & SAFETY
Maine man accused of killing his father with scissors dies at Portland jail
PORTLAND (BDN) -- The man who died last week at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland has been identified. Darren Laney Jr., 37, of Big Lake Township was found unresponsive in his cell on Friday morning, and jail staff unsuccessfully tried to revive him, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
Portland police arrest several teens as part of major drug, shooting investigation
PORTLAND (WGME) – Portland police say they have uncovered a major drug operation involving guns and tens of thousands of dollars in cash. Everyone arrested in the operation so far has been a teenager. “This level of drugs and the number of guns, you know, we don't see that...
Maine man shot by police now charged with attempted murder
PORTLAND, Maine — A man from Naples who was shot by police during astandoff in January is now facing charges, including aggravated attempted murder. Eric Sweda, 36, was indicted by a Cumberland County grand jury. He is also charged with creating a police standoff, reckless conduct with a firearm, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Cockroach, rodent infestation could force asylum seekers to move out of Portland motel
PORTLAND (WGME) -- An infestation could force asylum seekers to move from a Portland motel. Around mid-March, Portland health inspectors conducted a safety inspection at the Motel 6 where many asylum seekers are living. Inspectors issued violations to the owners after finding cockroaches and rodents in more than one of...
North Yarmouth's infamous 'diaper bandit' returns, dumping soiled diapers on town roads
NORTH YARMOUTH (WGME) -- Officials say the “diaper bandit” is back and is once again dumping bags of soiled adult diapers on the side of roads in North Yarmouth. In 2019, someone was illegally dumping bags of soiled adult diapers along Routes 9, 115, and 231 in North Yarmouth.
York Beach killing: Man gets 40 years for bludgeoning girlfriend to death with rock
BIDDEFORD, Maine — The man who bludgeoned his fiancé to death with a rock at York Beach three years ago apologized to the victim’s family Wednesday as he was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Jeffrey Buchannan’s attorney, Jon Gale, maintained his client suffered from mental illness...
Driver uninjured after tractor-trailer crash in Naples
NAPLES, Maine — No injuries were reported when a tractor-trailer crashed Wednesday evening in Naples. Deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office responded to a call around 8 p.m. about a tractor-trailer that went off the road and struck a utility pole on Route 302. Officials said the crash...
'Crisis at Long Creek': Workers say staff shortages leading to more violence
SOUTH PORTLAND (WGME) - Workers at Maine's only juvenile detention center say they're seeing a rise in violent clashes between residents and staff. “A lot of the violent incidents have been occurring with increased frequency and intensity," Long Creek Youth Development Center Staff Member Jonathan Brown said. They say in...
Biddeford police ramp up efforts to prevent underage drinking
BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford Police Department is intensifying its fight against underage drinking through its participation in the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) campaign, a collaborative effort with the State of Maine aimed at curbing alcohol consumption among minors. JoAnne W. Fisk, Police Chief of Biddeford, announced Thursday that...
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