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8/20/09
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Addison family relates tale of terror Former county sheriff charged in incident
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ADDISON, Maine — Her fingers gripping the edge of the kitchen table, Melina Church, 34, on Tuesday recounted one of the most frightening incidents of her life.
Church, her partner, Kevin Merritt, 46, and her two sons, ages 12 and 4, said they were held at gunpoint at the end of a cul-de-sac in the blueberry barrens of Columbia a week ago.
Joseph Tibbetts, 61, of Columbia was arrested Monday and charged with criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, Class C, and threatening display of a weapon, Class D. The Class C charge has a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The former county sheriff’s arrest on a warrant issued by Superior Court Justice Kevin Cuddy after an investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office came four days after the incident took place on Thursday, Aug. 13.
Church and Merritt said the incident terrified them and has had lasting effects on their children.
“Every time a car comes in the driveway, my 4-year-old asks, ‘Is this the bad man with the gun? Is he going to shoot Mommy?’” Church said.
Attempts made by telephone Wednesday to contact Tibbetts were unsuccessful. A woman who answered Tibbetts’ phone in Columbia said Tibbetts would not comment on the incident.
Church and Merritt said the events unfolded last Thursday evening when, after a family supper, the couple and their children went driving through the barrens near Township 19 to look for coyotes.
“We are hunters,” Church said. “We often ride to look for coyotes. This time, however, where we usually go was blocked off because blueberry rakers were working.”
Merritt said he had worked security in the barrens for a number of years so he was familiar with the area and took a different route to an area called Second Radar. Although much of the barrens is private property, the roads through them are frequently driven by local residents.
Merritt said there were no weapons in the car as the family scouted for coyotes.
As dusk settled in about 8:30 p.m., they met a woman driving in the opposite direction who told them about seeing a bear minutes earlier. Delighted, the family continued on to look for the bear.
Merritt said that soon afterward a vehicle came up fast behind them with its high beams glowing.
“Suddenly, it was within inches of my rear bumper,” he said. “We turned off the road onto a side road, a dirt road across from some cranberry bogs, to let it go by, but it kept following us,” Merritt said.
The vehicle was so close in the growing darkness that the couple could not identify what type of vehicle it was.
“We were absolutely intimidated,” Church said. “There was terror in our car.”
“We tried to slow down and pull to the side to let him go by, but he wouldn’t,” Merritt said. “We took another turn, but the road was blocked by a cable so we were forced to go straight. He continued to ride our bumper and keep his high beams on. He never flashed them or indicated he wanted to get by. We had no idea what was going on. We were pretty frightened.”
Church urged Merritt to stop and see what the driver wanted.
But, Merritt said, “I felt it would be worse if we stopped. I didn’t know who or how many were behind us. I didn’t know what they wanted. The last thing I wanted was some kind of confrontation.”
“I was pretty scared about then,” said Conrad Peabody Jr., 12. He was riding in the back seat and repeatedly looked behind them.
Suddenly the family found themselves in a cul-de-sac and were forced to stop.
“We were trapped now,” Peabody said.
The truck behind them pulled forward up to the side of the family’s car, pinning both driver’s side doors shut.
Merritt said the driver jumped out of the truck and yelled, “Put your [expletive] hands in the air now or I’ll blow your brains out.”
The man had his two hands crossed at the wrists and up in front of him, a flashlight in one and a handgun in the other. Because of the flashlight in their eyes, the couple said, they could not see the man’s face.
Merritt said the family raised their hands and he told the man, “‘This is all wrong.’ I said that the gun wasn’t needed, that we weren’t harming anyone and to please put the gun away before there is an accident.”
Church said the man continued to shine the light into the car and could see clearly that children were inside.
Church reported that the man said, “It’s not going to be an accident if this gun goes off.”
Merritt and Church continued to ask the man what he wanted and what his name was. They said the man told them he had thousands of dollars invested in his land and that he believed they were berry thieves.
“There wasn’t a single blueberry in our car,” Church said. “We were just a family out for a ride.”
Church and Merritt said they had no idea whether they were on his property or not. It could not be determined Wednesday whether they were in fact on Tibbetts’ land.
Eventually, Church asked the man again what his name was and she reported he said, “I’m Joe Tibbetts and I’ve got 30 years of law enforcement experience in Washington County.”
“I know you, Joe,” Church replied. She said she was a corrections officer at the Washington County Jail and Tibbetts had been her boss for six or seven years when he was the county sheriff.
The couple said Tibbetts then lowered his gun behind his knee area and made comments as if he had no weapon. Church said Tibbetts continued to threaten the family, however, until he abruptly told them to leave and never return.
“Time seemed to slow down during the entire incident,” Church said. “Only about 15 minutes had gone by from when we started being followed.”
The couple left the road and Tibbetts continued to follow them, they said. Church said she repeatedly tried to call 911 for help but kept losing a signal. They eventually reached an area with cell service and contacted 911.
Washington County Deputy Sgt. Randy Perry and Maine State Trooper Miles Carpenter responded and began an investigation.
The day after the confrontation, Church, fearing retribution, obtained a protection from harassment order for herself and her children.
“We’re afraid of retaliation,” said Merritt, who is an Addison firefighter and self-employed carpenter. “There are people who support Tibbetts and may be hearing a different version of what happened out there from him.”
Church said that when she attempted to obtain the protection from harassment order at Washington County Superior Court, Justice John Romei determined he had a conflict of interest due to his personal friendship with Tibbetts, who is a former Washington County sheriff, state trooper and state representative with deep roots in the county.
The court then faxed the paperwork to Ellsworth where it was signed and returned to Machias.
Church said she is disappointed that it was four days before Tibbetts was arrested.
“If that had been either Melina or I that had stuck a gun in someone’s face and held them hostage, we would have been immediately dragged to jail,” Merritt said. “Besides, this delay gave him time to hide the weapon.”
Washington County Sheriff Donnie Smith explained that the Washington-Hancock District Attorney’s Office originally intended to turn the case over to the state Attorney General’s Office because of Tibbetts’ past professional relationship with the District Attorney’s Office, but instead presented the case to Justice Cuddy on Monday at Washington County Superior Court, and Cuddy then issued the warrant for Tibbetts’ arrest.
Because the case has not come to court yet, details about any alleged weapon being recovered are not being released by police. The full police report also is not available until the case is disposed of.
The incident terrified the family, and as they gathered Tuesday around their kitchen table, they said they are living in fear.
“Right now we are very much on guard,” Church said.
“We are not leaving the house unless we have to,” Merritt said.
Tibbetts was arrested Monday afternoon, taken to the Washington County Jail and released on $5,000 unsecured cash bail. His first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 28.
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All I can say is Crazy!
It looks increasingly bad for Tibbets
??????
I would like to hear BOTH sides of the story.
Wow, an angry man with a gun, NO WAIT, an angry ex-police officer with a gun threatening people.
Just another (former) public official abusing his power. If it turns out that this version of the story is accurate to any significant degree then Tibbets shoulld spend at least a year in jail. As a police officer with that much experience, he was a professional and knew what he was doing. The kids will probably harbor long term fears from this incident. What a nightmare for the family. From what we've been told of this story so far - it appears old Joe has lost his mind!
Tibbetts should have chugged some brews first, threathened the family with fireworks, then repeatedly tell them that he's a former legislator.
He'd be golden now.
Makes for a "good" story to sell papers. All I have to say is the person they are describing is not the Joe Tibbetts I've known for many years.
i think you should get all of the facts before you print any story. this article may qualifiy your reporter for the "fiction of the year" award but does nothing but tarnish the reputation of a once fine newspaper. there were some references to the victims credibility which were obviously never checked into by your reporter. she might have found some interesting tidbits. but that doesn't sell newspapers. if i had a subscription to the bangor daily, i would cancel it.
This is only ONE side of the story, when Tibbets tells his side opinion may change, maybe not!
Strange story - Isn't the statement Church gives rather unusual about them being out looking for coyotes - "We are hunters." "We often ride to look for coyotes." So you are hunters driving around nearly dark with two kids in the back seat on private property looking for coyotes??This is in an area where blueberry pickers work? Merritt said there were no guns in the car as they scouted for coyotes? Sure the kids were scared and I am sure Merritt and Church were scared to death to. It is 8:30 at night and getting dark? I think there is more to this story. She is a Corrections Officer and he is a fireman and they are riding on private roads looking for coyotes and they are hunters but no guns in the car. More to come.
They were LOOKING for...not HUNTING for coyotes. Is it just me, or is there a difference? If Tibbetts thought there was suspisious activity going on, why didn't he call 911???? Why did he keep following them?? He could have gotten a plate # and called it in.....then kept an eye on the area. I realize cell service might not be available....but it could have been handled differently.
if we did what he did we would be in jail,well bail but a lot higher than his,but the system favors there own ..some things never change and other things change when they shouldnt ,what a mess.peace
And also, Tibbetts was taking a chance....(supposedly) not knowing who they were...or if they had weapons in their vehicle...that they could have drawn on him....which they didn't...Tibbetts was not in any danger...
some of you are assuming that this tale of fiction is true. i believe the reporter has an obligation to verify her facts which she obviously did not. have any of you read wlbz2's article and the e-mail supposedly written by donnie smith and sent to the media by mistake? according to that he had tibbetts convicted before he was arrested. the truth will come out. when people lie too much they usually forget what they have said and get caught. whose idea was it that the place is a cul-de-sac? on the barrens? that might impress some people but in my opinion it just confirms the reporters ignorance of the whole area and the whole situation.
Tibbetts needs to be severly punished for terrorizing a family, but it's too bad that will never happen. The Maine court system and judges always seem to favor anyone who has been or is associated with law enforcement. He will never learn his lesson and I'm afraid that we will be reading about him again, but next time he hopefully hasn't murdered anyone.
I'M JOE TIBBETS I AM THE ALPHA MALE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Joe Tibbitts is one of less than a handful of people walking this earth that I would trust *implicitly* - without question or reservation. He is truly one of the good guys, and it's a sad day to see him the victim of the media overrun that permeates our society. This story doesn't make the least bit of sense - clearly there's a whole lot of "story" here and precious little "fact." You can bet there's more to this - ever heard of trying a case before the media because you can't win in court? Hope the community ostracizes those bullsh***ters!!! And shame on you BDN for allowing them a voice to spread their maliciousness!!!!
I just watched this on the news. Tibbetts scared the heck out of these people- especially the poor kids, pointing a gun to the man's head. Whether they were hunting, stealing berries- whatever- he had no right to do what he did. Call the police- which he is NOT anymore- take their plate #, and wait. I dont think there can be a 2nd side to this story that will be acceptable. I realize that stealing berries this time of year is a huge problem. But he handled this VERY badly. He's in a mess.
BDN should get Joe"s story too. But remember this is what makes a story and attracts readers, especially cop haters.....
Wow....how what a scary time, followed inches by an unknown vehicle, couldn't escape..sounds like a movie I saw once, maybe you've seen it to, The Hitcher??haha Looking for coyotes, hunters.. and lets think about it, no guns in your vehicle? The truth will come out that you knew who's land you were on and why you were there "for those of you who don't know it has something to do with her getting fired from the Sheriff's Office". Trapped in a cultasac up on the barrens.. I know the area well were they were, there is no cultasac and plenty of area to "get away" The driver had done security for years up there? You would think if he thought he or his family were in danger he would not have turned down a dead end road?? You say Joe pulled up to the drivers door and you wasn't able to get out..but somehow you were able to drive off after he told you to leave....hmmm now that sounds kinda funky!!haha IT was so dark and scary and you were able to see a gun..but couldn't see who it was?? Then you were able to see him put the gun down beside his leg?? ITs sad that people like you cost us tax payers extra money for investigations like this when it could be spent more productivly.
oh and I almost forgot....sitting at home afraid to leave....so whats changed?? another family "afraid" to work that we're paying for!!haha
I think this will turn into another "fireworks dispute"....He said, she said, they said, very similar plot just different setting and actors......
i wonder if mr. tibbetts will lie his way out of this one.
The fact that this involves a former County Sheriff and State Trooper is the secondary part of this story and while many are focusing on that you are missing the main part....
Blueberries are food! Nothing more and nothing less. They are not important enough or valuable enough to (allegedly) threaten at gun point and allegedly detain (falsely impr
The fact that this involves a former County Sheriff and State Trooper is the secondary part of this story and while many are focusing on that you are missing the main part....
Blueberries are food! Nothing more and nothing less. They are not important enough or valuable enough to (allegedly) threaten at gun point and allegedly detain (falsely imprison) them for a period of time.
Recently a man SHOT another man over lobster. Another food source.
What is wrong with people?
I don't know any involved but I think Tibbets should have handled this differently. What if that gun had gone off unintentionally and killed one of those kids...or a parent in front of their kids.
eastporter....sounds like you and Joe go way back.....don't suspose you've been arrested by him a few times and have a little pent up aggression toward him do ya??haha
I find it both strange and disgusting that families wander around in the evening looking for animals to shoot. Killing coyotes is not about trying to find food for a family, is it?
I see the dirty LEW is back.......
Re: 12:03 & 12:12 am posts by oceanmist makes sense...
Another example of a gun making a jerk feel tough. I'd like to go a few rounds man o mano with this dirtbag.
Will someone please tell me the proper procedure I should follow if a trespasser comes on my PRIVATE, POSTED property? Have property owners lost the right to protect what's theirs? Theft of property, damage, illegal dumping, and property owners are supposed to do what? Wave them on with a smile? This story smells of bull manure, and I am astonished that the couple weren't arrested for illegal trespass. Here's the law:
http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec402.html
A person is guilty of criminal trespass if, knowing that that person is not licensed or privileged to do so, that person:
A. Enters any dwelling place. Violation of this paragraph is a Class D crime; [2001, c. 383, §56 (AMD); 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).]
B. Enters any structure that is locked or barred. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; [2001, c. 383, §56 (AMD); 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).]
C. Enters any place from which that person may lawfully be excluded and that is posted in accordance with subsection 4 or in a manner reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders or that is fenced or otherwise enclosed in a manner designed to exclude intruders. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; [2001, c. 383, §56 (AMD); 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).]
D. Remains in any place in defiance of a lawful order to leave that was personally communicated to that person by the owner or another authorized person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; [2001, c. 383, §56 (AMD); 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).]
E. Enters any place in defiance of a lawful order not to enter that was personally communicated to that person by the owner or another authorized person. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or [2001, c. 383, §56 (AMD); 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).]
Whether you like Tibbetts or hate him, IMO he was within his rights to protect his property, and these trespassers are a couple of lawbreakers trying to get sympathy and their 15 minutes of glory. For shame, what a bad example to their children.
What's missing here is whether there were implements present in the offending vehicle that could further the alledged crime? Tibbets needed to remove the family from the car at gunpoint to search the vehicle for potential containers to put the stolen blueberries in. If Tibbets found containers and blueberry rakes, it would back up his actions a little more. Not to say his actions weren't over the top already.
Depending how this goes in court, maybe some of the other scofflaws in Washington county will be put on notice. Just imagine if it was standard operating procedure for aggeived landowners to chase illegal ATVers, firewood theives and illegal bough tippers all over their property. Downeast, the new wild west!
hey Mlktsledder. you should try being on the blueberry barrens at night during raking season. i have an idea that you aren't tough enough and would run crying home to mama at the first sign of a trespasser or wild animal. maybe you can find one of those cull-de-sacs to hide in. call for help? law enforcement is stretched to their limit at this time of year. yes, we do chase thieves and other criminals off our property. come on down!!!
None of you really know what happened. The BDN interviewed thr family live so her facts were just that, FACTS. Hunting and lokking are two different things. You do one with a gun and one without. How did I get raised to be a hunter? I rode the barrens with my family too...so that is what these couples were doing. spotting animals that are wild shows how they behave it was a good idea and as stated they have done it for years. Also they were chased without choice to go down that road. The original road that they were going to take was blocked off.
Hey Glock21, can I point a gun to your head in your car with your kids present? Somehow I think your attitude would change if it were you and yours. Wake up will ya
Nancy3. It was not posted. read the papers, watch the news. The Sheriff knew that and that is why he said "there will be after tonight" Get a clue. Maybe Tibbetts should read this and go to the sites to see what you have to do to make a road private prooerty for no tresspassing as well. Oh wait he should have known unless he lost his knockers, he is after all a past sheriff for 8 years and state trooper.
I couldn't help but laugh reading some of these comments ha haha! There have been comments stating that parents shouldn't have their kids out looking for animals after dark...freakin hogwash! Get out and see some nature and have some fun! While you are doing things like this you should not have to worry that some freak with a gun is going to come after you! LMAO!
My husband and I live very much in the woods of Maine. Sometimes just because we don't feel like sitting in the house we take our six year old, jump in the car, and ride through logging roads looking for black berries, deer, bear, anything that might be fun for us. And you know what??!! Sometimes when we are finished driving around it is DARK. Are we forgetting that it is SUMMER VACATION for these kids? Not everyone has their children in bed every night at 8:30pm.
This appears to be an incomplete story, with commenters reacting from personal bias (on both sides) I have ridden around on private roads sightseeing, Usually all I get is a friendly wave from folks working in the fields. I have never been ordered off a property, nor have I had any other unpleasant experiences. Once when I was still very young, I got my pick-up stuck on land off the Dixie Road in Trescott. The land owner towed me out with his tractor, and advised me to "come back when the land is firmer."
I have also been in the unfortunate position of confronting an inexperienced hunter on my land who shot a hole through my garage. I did not need a gun to show him the error of his action. The nastiest thing I did in that case was advise him to go up and shoot up the land around third Machias Lake.
That has been my general experience with neighbor relations. This story tells me one of two things.
Maine has changed for the worse.
The accurate account has yet to surface
I am from the area and love to go out through the barrens to look for bears or any wildlife - yes, I have been there after supper before. The barrens are used by everyone in the area - for crying out loud, you have to drive through the barrens to get to many camps!!! Tibbits is a ticking time bomb.
Glock, go back to your cave. You have done enough whining on here. Why don't you go visit Joey and both cry about how unfair it is and how you guys should be above the law.
Sorry NancyJ, but tresspass laws do not allow the use of deadly force unless it is inside your dwelling AND another crime is being committed. Even active police could not approach the vehicle with weapons drawn and aimed unless it was a felony stop.
Driving around in the woods and fields looking for wildlife is pretty common. I remember putting on pajamas and bringing a blanket to ride out to the dump to watch the bears play when I was little. While some members of my family hunted bear during season, we didn't bring firearms when we went to watch them.
I agree that the barrens have always been used to ride around looking for wildlife..I have done it all my life as I'm sure these "victims" have...like I said earlier this family knew whos land they were on and were not there to look at squirrells "thats the next wildlife they'll claim haha". It will come out why they were up there..So they were being "chased" and turned up a dead end road...he was a security officer up there so he must have known the barrens well right?? Must have been so terrified to turn up a dead end road...and the road the're claiming was "blocked off"...thats a dead end road also!!haha He must have been so "scared" he forgot where he was going and that Stilman cut that bridge out years ago!!haha When the truth comes out all you making assumptions will eat a little crow..or coyote..or bear...maybe squirrell!!LOL back to my cave for now!!
Great, just what Washington county needs another crazy red neck with a gun. I hope that not only do they lock Tibits away for five years, but I hope that this poor family takes him to civil court and sues him for everything he has. It looks like Tibits suffers from the same illness as the rest of the washighton county sheriffs Dept., something I like to call "Boss Hog syndrom". I think all these cops watch to much TV.
OK so on yesterdays post people were saying once an officer always an officer and he should be punished accordingly and now they are saying he should have called the cops!!which is it people??Glock the only thing i didnt like about your post is you left nothing for me to say lmao!!!i dont know joe but im sure his side will shed more light on the story so dont hang him yet!!!!!!
"Boss Hog Syndrome"....LOL!!!
Another abuse of power and another slap on the wrist.Somebody should take him for a ride and throw him a blanket party!
My sympathy is with the coyotes. The hunters are hunted. Now they know how it feels.
Seriously? A blanket party? Let's teach him not to intimidate others by putting a blanket over his head and beating him? What planet are you from....
They were not HUNTING coyotes. They admitted to 'being' hunters, but they did not have guns, they were looking for them to show their kids and to check out wildlife... please. Your PETA application is awaiting your signature.
Wow 4 day's before he even get's arrested??? If that was any other ordinary person they would of been locked up than and there. Just an other corrupt case and slap on the hand from the corrupt system
you would think that someome with 8 years experience in law enforcement would know it is against the law to threaten a family at gun point. It really doesn't matter if they find his gun or not, if he is convicted of a class c felony he will never be allowed to own a fire arm ever again. Next time it looks like Tibites will have to use his words like a grown up instead of a gun.
On 8/20/09 at 10:18 AM, EmilyMichaud wrote: Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
My sympathy is with the coyotes. The hunters are hunted. Now they know how it feels.
What rock did you crawl out from under? Seriously.
and people wonder why an x cop could flip out,pretty clear he lost it.lock him up till they figure it out..but he will get special treatment of course the code of the blue,trumps it all.peace
On 8/20/09 at 9:54 AM, PabMainer wrote: Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
"Boss Hog Syndrome"....LOL!!!
Boss Hogg was the man!!!!!! Don't forget it.
I wonder if this is the same barrens where me and a buddy borrowed some berries to buy school clothes back in the day?
I see the lynch mob mentality is still alive and well in Washington County. Both side of the case need to be heard before anyone can truly make an educated decision whether Joe's actions were warranted or not. I didn't see any press release from Sheriff Smith reference one of the "victims", a corrections officer with Washington County Sheriff's Department, being suspended. Wheres the transparency Sheriff Smith? Or do you prefer to only publicize what you think will make you look better?
This whole incident is the culmination of several actions of the "victims" leading Mr. Tibbetts to believe that they were looking to steal blueberries or property. They were both going in the same direction on the barrens and Mr. Tibbetts came up behind them to try and see who they were. When they turned off to let him go by, they unfortunately turned down the same road that Mr. Tibbetts had intended to take. Every step of the way they were getting closer to where Mr. Tibbetts has equipment and had been harvesting blueberries. If in fact Mr. Merritt had worked security for years on the barrens, then he would have been well aware that the road they initially turned down was a dead end road, that only led to a couple of secluded blueberry fields, and unfortunately for them, those fields are where Mr. Tibbetts was working. Do you think he had the right to be highly suspicious now?
Officers dont approach every vehicle with guns drawn, however, Officers do many times have their gun in their hand when they feel something is not right about a stop. The general public doesn't see this most of the time, since on a "routine" stop it doesn't generally occur. This was not a "routine" stop. At night by himself Mr. Tibbetts approached an unknown vehicle thats actions had led him to believe that they were headed directly towards his personal property. Ordering the people in the car to put their hands up is standard procedure to make sure that they do not have weapons in their hands. His statement at the time according to the "victims" may have sounded harsh to put it lightly, but the use of profanity during a high stress stop like this is common. Does it make it a crime because he swore at them? Mr' Tibbetts state of mind has to be taken into consideration. He was alone at night, following in his mind a suspicious vehicle, which then turned onto the road that his equipment was stored on, a dead end road. Once he determined the people in the car were not a threat to him, he did not continue to display his firearm.
Charging him with reckless conduct is laughable. A 10 year old pointing a gun at someone is reckless. A man with over 40 years of law enforcement training, along with military training is not reckless simply by pointing a firearm. Guns do not go off randomly, there has to be a decisive action in order for them to fire.
This is being portrayed as if the "victims" were being held hostage at gunpoint, which I'm quite sure is not the case. The whole incident was probably over in seconds. Once they were identified, and no longer a threat In Mr. Tibbetts mind, they weapon was no longer displayed.
To the commenters that say they should sue, I'm quite sure that is what their intentions are, otherwise why would you go to the media to elaborate on how "traumatized" you were by this.
In my opinion, the biggest problem in how this case was handled, is Sheriff Smith's actions after the fact. He should not have "second guessed" his officers actions, and then basically threaten the District Attorneys office into acting further. It sure makes it look like Sheriff Smith has a personal agenda with former Sheriff Tibbetts, I know hard to believe but thats how it looks.
There has to be more to this story and indeed, if they were on someone else's property at night then there is no problem with them being approached. Rather then trying to scare these people, I am sure he approached the car with his weapon because in this county you never know who the hell you are approaching, or what type of weapon they are going to have. I can tell you right now that if someone came out of my woods, I wouldn't want to confront them without any weapon. So many thiefs and drug addicts around here that I really don't think this reaction was inappropriate. Drug addicts constantly use back roads to go down and do their drugs, with their little kids in the car etc. People need to realize this isn't 20 years ago, and Washington County has changed. If this is the way it happened then he should've identified himself as soon as he got out, but other then that, the part about the gun going off won't be an accident. That's pretty much just a statement of fact, that a person with that many years in law enforcement would state. Put your hands up or I'll blow your brains out sounds a little far fetched for me. It'll be interesting to hear the other side of this story. Donnie Smith is right proud of this too. Better watch out though, karma comes when you least expect it. To everyone saying he is getting away with it because of his le past, you'd be surprised what people get away with. Criminal threatening happens EVERYDAY and people are never prosecuted for it.
a responsible hunter knows he or she cant be on back roads after dusk with a firearm. I am a hunter, but I love to ride the barrens and back roads looking for wildlife, no guns, just looking. no crime there.
emilymichaud, have you ever seen what coyotes do to deer? how about a new fawn, nothing left but one leg, neck and head. keep your kitty in the house, they eat those too!
It is my understanding that tibbits is no longer a police officer, which means he is subject to the same laws the rest of us follow. unless that man was out in a Blueberry barren murdering his family, tibbets had no right under any surcomstances to pull a gun on that family.
Correct me if I am wrong but at 8:30 p.m. it is getting dark out and isn't it illegal to light a field? If they are looking for coyoty or bear is there not a chance that a deer might be included? I think that these people were up to no good and just happened to get caught. I also think that maybe excessive force may have been depoyed.
Sorry for the miss spell that should have been Coyote
Keenov you may want to brush up on what rights you have. A person has every right to use force to defend himself or his property, or property he is in control of. Displaying a weapon in that instance is not a crime in itself.
People...this is only one side of the story. Whatever happened to considered innocent until proven guilty...HEEELLOOOOOO????!???
yah, I can see that. I know when I am out doing illegal activities I like to pack up the whole family in the car and take them along for the ride. Hey maybe both the kids were packing heat in the back set. Hey maybe the whole family were actully gang members looking for trouble and Tibbets is really the Hero in this situation. Come on!
justanothermainer - please dont try to be reasonable - this is not the place for it ;)
hey ,if you have the right to pull a gun on any one who comes on your property why was Tibbets aressted and charged? Maybe you should check out the laws in this situation, or at least read the article again.
Regardless of whether or not they were committing illegal activities, their actions made it appear that they were, how difficult is it to understand this? If it looks like someone is committing a crime, a person can react appropriately.
He wasn't arrested and charged that night. The officer collected statements and submitted it to the District Attorneys office for review. He was only arrested because Sheriff Smith threw a hissy fit with the DA's office.
Just because you are charged with a crime does not make you guilty. He was arrested because Sheriff Smith threw a fit with the DA's office and had an arrest warrant written up. Sherrif Smith acted inappropriately.
I can't wait to see the look on the faces of those Mormones the next time they tresspass and come to my door, and I great them with a 44 magnum.
Amazing how we have people willing to accuse either side. We certainly don't have near enough information to be forming any opinion at all. As for the comments made here, we certainly seem to have plenty of know it alls on both sides, that don't know nothing at all.
good one washcnty! If he kept taking the same roads that Tibbetts was going then why didnt he just pass them instead of riding their ass?? or pull up next to them and talk to them?? Seriously there is no excuse for these actions and saying that Smith threw a fit and that is why he got charged is so ignorant! He got served b/c his actions were completly uncalled for!! Sounds to me WASHCNTY that you ARE Tibbetts... haha! You should be ashamed of yourself for using the force that you did on this family!
If the general public only knew the sort of complaints law enforcement responds to and the type of action or lack of that is taken for each I'm sure there would be some liberals spouting off....the fact of the mater is is that this case was handled correctly in the begining..statements collected..people interviewed..where this takes a turn is when Donnie Smith got involved. If this had been any other case or a person in another profession, there would not have been an arrest warrant issued if the Da's office had decided to press charges. The person would have been issues a summons with a court date and been on their way. Donnie Smith made this his baby and got what he wanted...this case will go to trail and will drag out for the next several months "dragging Joe all the way". In the end when all is said and done there will be little press about it and all will be forgotten. Smith still won...he's in his glory right know. Smiling on his home page with a pic of Joe's mug shot next to him....thats what people will remember...its sad that a man with that many years of service to his community has to be treated with such disrespect over a personnell agenda....and what has it gained smith?....a s@@@ eating grin..nothing more..nothing less...Now I don't want to turn this into 100% Smith, he saw an opportunity and jumped on it. The "victims" are playing it up also. I'm sure that the Sheriff's phone records and emails are public record...and Washington S.O.do supply cell phones that the logs are public record..would be interesting to see how many times the high sheriff called these "victims"....
Chris, it seems to me that we are not hearing both sides of the story because Tibbets isn't telling his side of the story. You know why? Because there is no excuse for threating a family at gun point. Especialy when you were a police officer with decades of experience.
I can assure everyone that I am NOT Joe Tibbetts. Nor am I a family member of his. I know all of the parties involved in this incident to a certain degree.
Mr. Tibbetts is probably not telling his side of the story because his attorney told him not to talk about it. Its common practice not tor run your mouth trying to defend yourself until you get into court.
Everyone on the "Hang Joe" bandwagon should do a little more thinking about the whole situation.
There is a big difference between these two statements:
"I'm going to blow your head off"
"Put your hands up or I will blow your head off."
One is criminal threatening, one is not.
Nail on the head Keenov
look, you can defend Joe all you want. but I don't think people on this web site are stupid enough to think that there maybe a good reason for threatening a family at gun point, who are just out to see some Maine wildlife. I also don't think people are stupid enough to believe that this is all just a big conspercey put together by Donnie Smith.
washcnty: that line of thinking goes right along with it being "not ok to call someone a j@ck@ss" but perfectly ok to tell someone that "You THINK they are a j@ck@ss"
what the hell are you talking about?
I'd like to believe the family, but not being able to hear both sides makes it difficult. There are numerous law officials, active and retired who abuse their power, I hope this guy wasn't one of them. That being said, if it's true, will he just get a slap on the hand for protecting (maybe) his property?
I don't even know what that means.
I see Joe has a lot of friends out there, and that is fine. All I'm saying is if that were your two kids in the back set and they were now tramatized because of what Joe did you dam well better believe you would be singing a different tune right now!
Glock 21, you are completely uninformed and off base. For one, Sheriff Smith had nothing to do with this. Dee from the DA is the one who has pushed the issue, and Justice Cuddy issued the arrest warrant. Smith just wants it handled like it would be if it was any other citizen of the county. I don't know what you have against Sheriff Smith, but perhaps you should keep your mouth shut instead of spouting off your anti Smith rhetoric to push your own personal agenda. You must have been a Meritt supporter.
Secondly, the county no longer issues cell phones. The deputies can get a phone of their own, and if they choose to use it for work, they will get a reimbursement. It is NOT public record.
Ok, first off, you are hearing ONE side of this story, so everyone who says he is a horrible ma ect. ect, you really ought to wait till the entire story come outs, facts included. On another point, come on down to my house on my privite land and walk around for a few and see if you do not have someone pointing a gun in your face, and guess what, I will not go to jail either, and I was not a cop. You guys are saying pretty much the same thing, who cares that these people were trespassing, he had a gun! (previous statement is in assumption that it was Tibbits land, BDN was not sure...)
Hey this was not some's yard it was a Blueberry Barren. And they were not out walking around, they were in a car driving around on a dirt road. And if I pulled into your drive way and you came running up to my car swearing and pointing a gun at me yah you could be arrested for that even if you were on your own property. This is Washington county Maine not the wild west.
funny how you are not Tibbetts but you know the entire story step by step which roads were turned on and all that crap... there is no excuse for your actions and you know that now... maybe you had a few too many drinks that night and got a little excited and wanted to play cop again?? Those poor children are goign to be scared for life b/c of you... You had many chances to pass the vehicle but kept on harrassing them... STOP blaming Smith for this or the family! You are the one that over reacted and you will pay for this
Sounds to me like some people want to blame Donnie Smith for what Joe Tibetts did ? If he did nothing other people would blame him for that. I voted for another person even put signs out for him told people to vote for him my mistake. Found 3 guns turned them in I thought they might be stolen found out where they came from was supposed to get them back thats when they were stolen. This happened before Donnie was elected. I did get one back thanks to Donnie. So when the next election comes I will be voting for Donnie not someone else.
haha...your a straight up detective!! No I am not Joe Tibbetts, he's alot smarter than me staying out of this. And I do know the roads they turned down that night....came right from there mouths down in town....guess they should watch who's around before they start runing there mouths. the rest i picked out from there own story full of holes!!haha I do know Joe and have talked to him...he is staying out of this bull as he should, as we all should. But like any small town drama we all feel compelled to put our two cents worth in "including myself" We should all find better things to do...I'm very disappointed in myself for getting caught up in this story and stooping to writting in here!!!
I was talking to washcnty but thanks for the advice :)
haha....sorry!!
Yet you keep posting?
put your f***& hands up or I will blow your brains out!!!! How sweet ~
Keenov: as do you :)
It was nice to hear that they were showing the children how and where to look for game and getting them involved in hunting. Too many parents just don't know how to raise children and get them off to the right start. The barrens are plentiful with moose, bear, deer and grouse and coyotes are predators too all of these critters. Yes, including bear when they are cubs. It's nice to see folks looking for resources that are food that could feed their family. (nickname, Stick)
If joe is on this web site reading these posts and if he is this great respectable pillar of the comunity I keep hearing about, why don't you pay your fine, apologize to this family for tramatizing their kids and leave your gun at home next time. I've lived in Washington county my whole life and have never been in a situation were I had to pull a gun on some one.
Keenov, I think you need to understand the laws in Maine before you compare this to the wild west. I not only could point a gun at you, but should I believe that you are intending to cause harm, I am authorised to use deadly force on my private property. Please learn the rules... You could start by reading Title 17-A: MAINE CRIMINAL CODE Part 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES Chapter 5: DEFENSES AND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES; JUSTIFICATION. "Premises includes, but is not limited to, lands, private ways and any buildings or structures thereon"
wow.what a story.changes tho as if to suit the couples needs.Coyotes or bear or what?Sounds like two drama queens to me hoping to exploit the situation for personal gains down the road.nice to have pics tho.Now that area residents kno who these two are they will have a hard time buying the "innocent family" story.Everyone knows why they were up there.Caseing would be a better word than scouting.Too bad the kids were there but i know the kids have been traumatized more by the living arraingments in their home than from this incident.
So Paul, the question then would be, there was a family in a car with no weapons, driving on your property and you shoot them. How do you prove that there was intent to harm? And as far as knowing the law, you can't even shoot a dog that is on your property and get away with it legally. This guy was apparently acting out of line. Call it what it is.
well I just logged on justia.com and read 17-a and guess what. That's not what it says. Paul I suggest you log on and read it again (the whole thing)before you start quoting laws to people. It would help if you new what you're talking about before you just start shooting your mouth off.
So Paul you go ahead and blow away the next person that pulls in your drive way, and l'll see you in about 25 years
Everyone commenting on this should take a look at the actual laws pertaining to these charges. They are not all black and white, and will be subject to some interpretation by a judge/jury in the future. Perhaps that is why the arrest was not made that night?
berquis - you can shoot a dog on your property depending on the circumstances.
The right to keep and bear arms, and to defends oneself, and their property, is one of the fundamental rights that this country is founded upon. One of the charges alleged against Mr. Tibbets is a felony offense, which in turn would strip from him his right to possess a firearm. I know many people who have firearms that I wish did not, but it is their right as a citizen of this country. Anyone facing the potential to have their constitutional rights taken away from them, should be afforded the right to a fair trial, not be lynched as is being done here. This trial will be interesting.
People aren't lynching Joe, people are expressing their opinions which I'm pretty sure is also protected by the constitution. And I think there is a big difference between your constitutional right to defend ones self and holding an innocent family with two kids at gun point because you are a paranoid a#@hole.
i know all the players in this story.Tibbetts probably did over-react.Is it possible he recognized the car or driver,knew they were up to no good and knew both adults were holders of concealed weapons permits?
Sounds like a lot of favoring there. Sounds like someone had a few too many drinks as well. .
I just don't see why someone would do that.. to a family sure one thing to check who is on your property not sit there and attack someone
that happens to be on your property that way.
That was uncalled for. And they should of been more aware of where they were as well.
Perhaps he did over-react, but did he commit a felony crime? I don't think that he did. I know if I had been in the same situation, my level of suspicion would have been pretty high. Would I have handled it differently? Perhaps, but that does not make his reaction any less justified.
ive traveled those barrens for 40 years.Never been stopped.People know me and know im not a thief.Same cant be said for all folk up there
washcnty: ONLY depending on the circumstances. Believe me.
i just dont think he should have pointed a gun.....if he even did
hey, you know what happens to people who just pull guns on other people without asking any questions? eventually they run into some one who is just a little more crazy then they are.
Keenov, 17-A is a very large and detailed explanation of criminal actions and there respected punishments. The part that I was telling you to understand, is the part I asked you to read, There is no other part of 17-A that relates to the point I was making to you. If I have land, that is posted private, I own it and at the request of me the owner, have advised no tresspassing, then you just setting foot on it constitutes a criminal action. I can ask you to leave immediatly, and if I so chose, enlist the assistance of a 3rd party. Should you choose to ignore such request, and I feel that you are planing arson, or to enter my dwelling, or to criminal trespass, then I am in fact allowed to use force. Remember, go back and read what I wrote, You told me that I could not point a gun at you and get away with it. Nondeadly force constites any type of force used that will not cause death. Pointing a gun at you will not cause death. Well, unless you have a weak heart. Oh and for the record, I did not say anything about "blowing someone away". On my property I can point a gun at pretty much anyone I want. You don't like it? Leave.
Berquis-- I did not say anything about shooting anyone. All I said that was in Maine I am legal if I want to to pull a gun on you on my private property. Keenov scanned what was written and decided to shoot his mouth off adding things that I did not say.
Oh, and yes, I have shot a dog on my prorpety and had no recorse. Or remorse for that matter as the dog was attempting to get to my children. You know, all mean like.
washcnty is Tibbetts and is goign to get into trouble for this... right Joe??????? funny how you never responde to me b/c i am right!
I thought I made it clear in a previuos post I am NOT Joe Tibbetts. No relation, but do know him. I have no way to prove who I am, anymore than you do. Are one of the victims?
About this Joe fella, It does not say here, but was he by any chance a carnie at one time or another?
Hey Paul I know what you are talking about, but the surcumstances that you referre to are not what happened in this case. There was no malisious or criminal intent in this case and Tibbits didn't even bother to talk to these people before he shoved a gun in their faces. See Paul it is all about the surcumstances, of course you could shot a dog thats attacking your children that's a no brainer, but if you shoot a dog that just happened to be sitting peacfully on the corner of your yard, ya your going to get in trouble for that. Paul this doesn't matter because this goes way beyond the law. This is a matter of commonsense, you don't just shove guns in peoples faces without asking a few questions first.
No Boogy, but he did stay at a Holiday Inn the night before.
Hey, by the way everyone I suck at spelling
Indian1975 you must be a fool to think just because they were interviewed that what they said are the facts. One of the facts that they are already lying about is that they didn't have any guns in the vehicle. Very funny since they originally admitted to both having concealed weapons permits and both had guns in the vehicle. That must be another part of their story that they are changing. Can't imagine why she is being fired from the jail for lying. Surprise surprise.
there were 4 guns in the car but they were removed before the police talked to them.
Thank god that donnie smith is sheriff....... if Rodney had been elected his buddy joey would have gotten a free ride!!!
The AG should be all over this--
Um Bobo.....you're not gonna let that one slide are you?
Can we all remember that children can read this!!?? WOW.
thank you BDN for removing the last 2 comments.
I have lived in Washington County my whole life, raised kids here, one of which has been in school with members of both families involved. Locals know better than to ride around on the barrens during blueberry season - period. It only lasts a month, go look for wildlife before or after, not during. The blueberry crop is "ripe for the picking" - so to speak, and there are a lot of people who are eager to take advantage of the fact that it is quick money if you steal them and hard work if you rake them honestly. Stealing blueberries is a huge problem - it is not unreasonable for the month of August to suspect every single vehicle out after dark on the barrens of doing it - and yes, people do bring their kids. I'm not saying that berries were being "scoped out", but it isn't an unreasonable assumption. Having blueberries on the bushes right now is equivalent to leaving money on the ground. Way too many people feel entitled to help themselves. Property owners certainly should have the right to be totally outraged that they are being stolen from - and I'm willing to bet that you would have to look long and hard to find one blueberry grower in Washington County that hasn't been. Instead of judging a situation some of you know less than nothing about (if you are going solely on the propaganda fed to you by BDN) - ask for more information, there are plenty of people reading this that could give it to you. Don't assume that because you read it in print that it is true. Joe is a good man, he has a family and grandkids that will certainly be "traumatized" by the negative spin on this story. I feel bad for Melina's children, not something they needed to see, but not the first traumatizing situation they have been in I'm sure. Kids feed off the reactions of adults, they could have been told that the "bad" man was not going to shoot them, he was protecting the crop that takes many months and hard work to produce from other "bad" people that steal them and he made a mistake and thought that they might be thieves. Jeez, blow it out of proportion much??
dwneastnative you have hit the nail right on the head....could not have said that any better.
l was just reading another account of the story, it said that Church and Merritt recognized Tibbets, but in this account, they said there was a flashlight in their faces, and that they didn't know who he was, until he told them....also l was thinking why would someone who know the area turn down a dead-end road, and not stay on the road they were on, and try to leave the area?....their are all kinds of crazy things that go on on the barrens in August during blueberry season, and it is not really a safe place to be taking children into, unless you really know where you are going....also if it was really too dark to recognize the other vehicle, then to spot coyotes they would have had to be spotlighting which is illegal....l really think that there is a whole lot more to this story, then what they are saying....and hopefully the truth will be known soon.....
berquis: Good comments....and I can see why , living out in those places, a family would want to get out and take a ride and enjoy nature sometimes. Geez......they (this family) sure didn't seem to be doing anything remotely close to warranting a gun being pointed at them!
I love how the BDN censors comments, yet claims to be a credible media source. Typical liberal news site, censor, censor, censor.
I am a newcomer to the other end of Washington County, where I eat wild strawberries I find while walking my dogs on logging roads. There are no blueberry fields in this end of the county, abutting Penobscot and Aroostook. Thank you to dwneastnative for explaining that end of the story, which was not explained in the BDN.
I know nothing about these people, other than I once met Mr. Tibbetts under pleasant circumstances while we were awaiting treatment for our heart problems at Togus VAMC in Augusta, in 2004. I think he told me he is a Vietnam Veteran, and if that is true (if my memory is correct?), then perhaps PTSD from his war experiences has caught up with him?
I know people want to make fun of PTSD, and pretend that all of us veterans are John Wayne cutouts (as we often try to pretend to live up to the image that people want to see at parades and medal ceremonies), but we are all real, individual people, and as we age, our war experiences start to gnaw at our souls, often causing us to be more angry than if we had spent our war years in college or working on our career of choice.
In America, everybody pretends it's like WW II again, where everybody is sacrificing for the country, but in truth, only a small percentage of men and women are chosen (and often given no choice at all) to serve in dangerous combat zones, and this affects us strangely in our later lives.
I recently went to a PTSD conference, for professional therapists (of which I am not, but was just interested due to my own PTSD), and they talked about PTSD in aging, older people (from war, divorce, death in the family, or any other cause), and it's possible for any of us in our 60s to suffer from some form of PTSD, no matter what the cause.
As I said, I have no real knowledge of Mr. Tibbets, but if he is a Nam Vet, then please give him a bit of leeway. I don't know if he was right or wrong, but he didn't harm anyone, and it's my guess that he's a pretty decent person, just like the people who filed the complaint.
Maybe wait until this goes to court before we all make decisions on what really happened.
God Bless to all involved in this disturbing incident.
Roger, a newcomer to Maine.
Everyone is reponsible for their own actions. We can sit and continue to bicker and argue about this, but in the end the court system will decide what happens. The facts will come out, until then we just sit back and continue to banter. Sheriff Smith has done a good job, and will easily secure a re-election. Glock 21, you should grow up some and realize that Smith won and is doing a great job, instead of being sour your choice didn't get the office.
Harry Snyder III - that's exactly why we sold our camp at Third Machias. Some azwipe from NJ touching off a .357 at the campsite near the bridge between my camp (since the '60's) and the bridge while my kids were standing on the bridge at night fishing. When my wife saw the muzzle blast in the direction of the bridge, she grabbed the S&N axe and headed out. I had to grab her, take the axe away and go get the kids. Morons with guns are going to ruin it for the good gun owners, and Tibbets had no right to point a gun at anyone for any reason if that's what happened. If he DID, he needs a couple years cooling his heels.
omg people. My husband and i with are children have taking rides to look at deer before near dark time, with no intent to shoot them and with no gun in the car. it is something many of us non city people do. The story says that they had no idea if they were on his land or not. Sounds like the old case of people protecting city officials again. The couple said they pulled over a few times and he didnt stop them and he had his high beams on tail gating them how intemidation. If he is an ex sheriff he shouldn't have the right to pull a gun on someone and threaten to blow their brains out. Curruption and cover up is gonna be at work again and i can say that never being arrested but seeing it go on all around me.
dwneastnative...good comment from 8:55 PM last night....makes sense.....
Well as citizens there is evidence that many using the privelaged right to carry firearems around abuse the power. Loaded with anger the human mind can do things it will regret especially if caught by the governing society. If you think killing some one over a few blueberries is worth the price than you are not worthy to carry a firearm. Imagine a man full of rage chasing a car ready to kill the occupants. The woman chased with children had no rakes barrels or evidence of poaching berries but still was being threatened by a bully with a loaded handgun. If Tibbetts was so concerend why did he not call the State Police and so forth. I say he should be put into therapy and stripped of his right to carry a firearm.
Paul, understood :) If a dog was coming at my children it wouldn't matter what the animal control officer in my little town had to say!
So Joe their teeth were all stained blue and you were going to shoot them for that! Hey let me give you the twenty bucks for the blueberries? By the way they don't shoot people who drive by corn fields and potatos in my part of Maine. Can't we just calm down and admit you need professional medical help. See a shrink and tell me what you think about all the people that killed someone over something like this. Even the great egg thieves robberies by the truck load haven't been cause to shake down families for eggs in their cars. So much for the enjoyment of Maine greedy land owners don't want the poor peasants to enjoy anything past the curb. God bless America
edokfouru -
Where did you hear that Joe said their teeth were blue? Thats new information to me, that would lend credibility to his belief that they had been stealing blueberries. You cant shoot people for driving by your fields in your part of Maine? Wow no kidding, I don't think that is the issue here. As far as the greedy land owners not allowing us poor peasant to enjoy their land? Here in Washington County, most of the posted blueberry land can be accessed simply by asking permission, which is what most people dont bother to do.
This is the same stretch of road that had had 6 teenagers wreck their car a few days previously, Deputies said speed and alcohol were a factor. (reported by this paper) This is a pretty common occurrence to see on the barrens during this time of the year, definitely not the place to be out for a family cruise at night.
The family needs to accept some responsibility for their actions as well. They picked the wrong place and time for a family outing. They didn't get shot, or beat up, or driven off the road. They were approached by someone who assumed they were stealing, who was armed and had every right to make sure that they were not armed or a threat to him. Once it was determined they were not stealing, the interaction ended.
Instead of thinking maybe we shouldnt be riding around peoples blueberry grounds, they feel they should call the police. I know if I was trespassing on private property, posted or not, an encounter with an armed landowner would not be a surprise to me.
The portrayal by the media of the "victims" in this incident has been quite one sided, and I'm sure it will continue. Unless Joe decides to go to the media to tell his side, we wont know all the facts until this goes to court.
Yes well lets figure into the cost of the blueberries that were not picked and the cost of the lawyers for this case where is your profit margin do the math.
outdoorman, i figured i recognized you (stick) Thanks for the comments. do you ever go out iwht your familyand show the rioes of the wildlive in Washington county maine? if i know you then i can assure that you do. i am als pretty sure that your children are goin gto be shown the way of real life in maine. i jsut can believe there sre so many peolple outhere that dont have a clue as to what the "victims" were doing. they were forced down tha troad. they didnt go there by choice. they did all they could do to give Joe the opportunity to approach them. they were scared by the intimidaiton of the vehicle being on their asses. they were in hopes to turn off on to a nother road but it was blocked therfore they were forced to the dead end road. they had no way out when Joe finished with them. Agressive behavior bagan with Joe. The kids are the most important issure here! Damn it ! I can only imagine what kind of trauma they are still gin through.l Obviously Church was scared for her children as well to ge the pfh! Hey stick...nice to hear from you.
8:30pm is not the middle of the night where did it say they were drinking so eat my blue berry teeth comment which is an analogy to they were not actually picking blueberries See how rage takes over and sense looses out. Do the math add a loaded gun and the ego of an ex sheriff protecting what? How do you pick blueberries from a moving car.?? Tell it to the judge and pay the lawyer. Great business plan Joe.
Maineoutlaw
Learn how spell arrangements before you post something so bias. Nobody is reading and caring what you have to say. You are too self centered to even see the whole truth. Living arrangements ahv enothing to do with this. The childrens lives were put into danger by another bystander nothte couple. I see the couple as haveing smarts enough to get the pfh. Sounds to me like they care more about the childrens than any of you here typing and making Joe look like a "good " person. You just have no damn clue, you are blinded by the truth. Just another ignorant red neck.
I assume that while reading all of this the victims were hunting for coyote prior to the dark arriving around 830, which is legal to do so. Also knowing the victims they were armed with pistols and had the right to do so according the Ex Sheriff Tibbetts himself signing a concealed weapons permit prior to him retireing. I just wonder what would have happened if these victims were actual thieves and pulled their guns out to protect themselves? Well they didnt beucase they thought of the children in the car, unlike Tibbetts. you think you are so smart maineoutlaw.
I wonder if the gun Tibbetts used to threaten the family was one of the guns stolen from the Washington County Sheriff's office? Ironic how guns are stolen from the Sheriff's Department and just turn up missing. By the way what ever happened to the investigation.
It is interesting that the results of the missing guns has never made its way to the media. Perhaps the final outcome wasn't as "news worthy" as had hoped. I believe the majority of it boiled down to bad book keeping, not theft. - Funny that was never reported.
I would bury this guy if he ever did this to my kid
I could be wrong but I thought the DA closed the case as soon as a certain deputy passed away....but Donnie insisted that the people of Washington County should know the truth and from the pressure of Donnie reopened the case.......but haven't heard a word of where that stands.
I would like to see the Superior cout Judge ask the State Attorney General to allow the State Police to have a Trooper training exercise with search dogs for missing bodies in the area of the Barrens in question. Perhaps with all the murders and foul play around Maine a search might turn up some interesting clues to missing persons and unsolved murders. Some folks seem very edgy about that area perhaps there is something foul hidden that needs to be uncovered.
Were those teenagers being chased and it Just looked like they were playing Chicken? Lets do some crime scene investigation with an impartial State Police task force. Bring out the dogs.
They shouldnt tresspass on peoples property.I would have done the same thing Tibbetts did.They are really playing this one up,scared to leave there house.what a joke.
Most law enforcement is that area are criminals and belong on the other side of the bars !
Some lawmen are rogues and that is why there is so much distrust from the average citizens . If Your clean you won't object to cleaning house and dusting the cobwebs. On the other hand if you have something to hide in the ole boys clubhouse you might want to keep your secrets tight.
Edok, relax, you've paid your debt to society. Clean slate and all, right? It was your own fault that you got into trouble. I can tell just what your story is from reading your comments, and I CAN'T be wrong because now it is appearing on this newspaper website! And as we all know, If it appears on here, THEN IT MUST BE TRUE, right? I mean clearly this is the entire story, and every grain of it is the truth. Who could doubt the credibility of Melina and Kevin, right? hahahahaha Is it obvious to anyone else that the "victims" here have been coached? Seems they have all the angles covered. Even some of you who are defending Tibbetts are assuming that the "victim's" story is how it played out. Others assume that every statement is fact, when we don't know whether the two quasi-law-enforcement "victims" had guns in the car or not, or whether they just "happened" to be in someone else's blueberry fields during peak harvest time to look at animals in the dark, etc. Use your common sense people, whether you hate cops or not, you only make yourself look like a fool. Or ignore you common sense and come take a look at this great bridge I'd like to sell you, dirt cheap!! (cash only please)
Just looking through the post and noticed that somebody didn't like mine about the 3 guns I found and turned in to the sheriffs department thinking they might be stolen. Later that same day I found out they were not . I was told they would be returned to me but they went among the missing. This was before Donnie became Sheriff .One of the guns I got back and it didn't come out of the evidence locker I will leave it at that. It was left at someones house to be worked on when Donnie got it back for me .IT wasn't being fixed for Joe Tibbets either just one of his buddies
I think there is much more to this story: do you think maybe TIbbets recognized the vehicle that has been on his land repeatedly stealing blueberres? Yes its just food to some, but to a lot more its a lively hood. Would you want somebody taking a look around your garage at your tools? Or maybe driving around your Christmas tree farm in December? or maybe taking a boat ride around your lobster pot? I don't think so were orange in the fall and stay out of the woods and when it is blueberry season stay out of the fields. Look for wildlife the other 11 months.
POST the Blueberry fields if you want to keep people out!
Don't live in the open spaces riding around to view wildlife but gun stories knows no boundaries. Two weeks ago Auntie Heidi's son with his girlfriend borrowed a friend's car in order to retrieve their car that had broken down on residential street in Mass. While trying to see what was wrong with his car, two thuds came upon him with a gun and order him to give them his wallet. Then they shot Nick in the back. He lives but barely.
Blueberries or a wallet, it doesn't matter. Terror and the power of greed is deadly.
treemonkey - the roads up there are posted. The entrance to every set of barrens that is owned by Cherryfield Foods has big posted signs on them. Someone would have to be a complete idiot not to see them. The road that they were on before they turned off onto the dead end road, which was foolish if he knew so much about the barrens because he used to work security, is owned by Foods, big sign as you come onto the barrens. The road he turned on might not have been posted but the one he used to get there was. Granted, everyone has always used these roads, but people need to stop screaming about land being posted when it already was. I still haven't figured out if they were looking for bears, coyotes or bigfoot, the story has changed too much I guess.