Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office

06/05/2026

🍩 National Donut Day – June 5, 2026 🍩

On behalf of Sheriff Eric Samson and the members of the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office, we would like to wish everyone a Happy National Donut Day!

While donuts are often associated with law enforcement in popular culture, National Donut Day has a much deeper meaning. The day was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the “Donut Lassies” who served donuts and provided comfort to American soldiers during World War I.

Today, we recognize the history behind this tradition and celebrate the community connections that bring us together. Whether you're enjoying a classic glazed, chocolate frosted, or your favorite local specialty, take a moment to appreciate the volunteers and service members whose legacy inspired this day.

Stay safe, enjoy a donut, and have a wonderful National Donut Day! 🍩🚔

06/04/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office Seeking Public Assistance in Turner Burglary Investigation

TURNER, Maine — The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in identifying two individuals connected to a burglary investigation at a local business in Turner.

On June 4, 2026, at approximately 3:58 a.m., deputies responded to a reported burglary at 45 Degrees North Cannabis, located at 2742 Auburn Road in Turner.

According to investigators, two individuals gained entry to the business. Once inside, an alarm was activated, prompting the suspects to flee the scene on foot. Detectives have collected evidence and are actively investigating the incident.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the individuals captured on surveillance video and in still photographs released as part of the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the individuals or details related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Nathan McNally at 207-753-2566 or by email at [email protected].

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

May 17–23, 2026 marks National Public Works Week, a time to recognize the dedicated professionals who provide and maintain the critical services that keep our communities running safely and efficiently every day.

Sheriff Eric Samson and the members of the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the hardworking public works employees throughout Androscoggin County for their commitment and service. From maintaining roads and bridges to supporting emergency response efforts during severe weather and other incidents, public works professionals play a vital role in protecting the safety, health, and well-being of our communities.

National Public Works Week also serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of public works and the essential services these men and women provide behind the scenes each day.

We are grateful for your professionalism, dedication, and partnership in serving the people of Androscoggin County. Thank you for all that you do.

05/19/2026

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT / ACTIVE FIRE RESPONSE 🚨

The Greene Fire Department, along with several neighboring agencies, is actively fighting a fire on the railroad tracks between Sullivan Road and College Road in Greene.

Several roads in the area have been closed to allow emergency crews to operate safely.

Please avoid the area and seek alternate routes until further notice. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as crews work to bring the situation under control.

05/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office arrested two juveniles in connection with two separate commercial burglaries at 45 Degree North Cannabis that occurred in late April and early May.

The arrests are the result of a three-week investigation involving a growing number of burglaries and vehicle thefts occurring across the state.

During the investigation, residential search warrants were executed under the direction of the Augusta Police Department, which had previously been heavily impacted by similar burglaries before the incidents spread into Androscoggin County. Physical and digital evidence collected from crime scenes and recovered vehicles played a substantial role in advancing the investigations within Androscoggin County and ultimately led to the arrests and charges filed.

Numerous other agencies statewide continue to investigate the suspects and their alleged involvement in additional burglaries, vehicle thefts, and several incidents involving failure to stop for law enforcement, during which items were allegedly thrown at police vehicles while the suspects attempted to elude officers.

The investigation by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office remains ongoing, and additional charges are expected.

The two juvenile suspects connected to the Androscoggin County investigation were taken into custody in Waterville after crashing a motor vehicle following the latest burglaries in the spree and a police pursuit earlier that same morning in Hancock County.

A total of five individuals — one adult and four juveniles — were taken into custody following the pursuit in Hancock County. The two juvenile suspects connected to the Androscoggin County investigation were among those arrested. A detective with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office responded to Waterville to issue the pending charges against each juvenile who are 13 and 15 years old. Both were later transported to Long Creek Youth Development Center.

The following charges have been filed against each juvenile in connection with the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office’s investigation:

• Burglary, Class C (2 counts)
• Theft by Unauthorized Taking or Transfer, Class C (2 counts)
• Aggravated Criminal Mischief, Class C (2 counts)
• Unauthorized Use of Property, Class D

Because the suspects are juveniles, no further identifying information will be released at this time.

05/18/2026

****** UPDATE- MR. RYDER HAS RETURNED HOME *******

MISSING / ATTEMPT TO LOCATE

Owen Ryder, 27 years old, voluntarily left Fern Cottage, located on the Quaker Ridge Rd. in Leeds, with an unknown friend. The vehicle, direction of travel, and destination are unknown.

Description:
• 5’06”
• 130 lbs
• Brown hair
• Grey eyes

Owen does not have a phone. He was last seen wearing a red sweater with black jogger pants. He is not believed to be in immediate danger at this time; however, he is a ward of the state under the guardianship of DHHS.

Anyone with information regarding Owen Ryder’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Androscoggin County Regional Communications Center at 207-753-2599.

05/16/2026

Our thoughts remain with the Searsmont community following the tragic fire at the Robbins Lumber mill.

Our hearts go out to the firefighter who lost their life, those who were injured, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating event.

In times like these, communities come together. Please continue to offer your support as needs are identified and requests for assistance are shared. Every act of kindness makes a difference