Skowhegan Police Department

06/09/2026

Good morning Skowhegan, there I was… minding my own business, trying to get a sip of the elixir of life, Cuban espresso , when I hear a tone in my vehicle telling me someone is really excited to drive somewhere today. Needless to say, I had a conversation with that driver. Turns out there are issues with his out of state drivers license and was not suppose to be driving. Now the driver was absolutely one of the nicest people you could meet. But…. No License is an issue. What I liked most about the interaction is the officers on duty. They hear I’m on a stop and they come to make sure I’m doing ok. To include Sgt York and K9 Reece, who was very happy to say hello. Skowhegan, I realize it’s Tuesday but please slow down and get to work safety. Keeping Skowhegan a safe place to live, work, and visit. Chief Bucknam

06/01/2026

Good morning Skowhegan, to say the weekend was busy is an understatement. But I would like to highlight a traffic stop on the Middle Road by Officer Shane Lay, which led to a significant drug seizure.
On Saturday at approximately 9pm, Officer Lay stopped a silver 2004 Toyota Camery for missing a registration plate and loud exhaust. During his interactions with four (4) occupants, he found that anyone possessing a valid driver’s license was non-existant.
Officer Lay furthered his investigation by contacting Sgt. Joshua York and K9 Reece, K9 Reece conducted a free air sniff of the occupants and vehicle.
While walking by the occupants, K9 Reece indicated on 30-year-old, Fairfield resident, Sadie Macdonald who was subsequently arrested for aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs (fentanyl), and unlawful possession of scheduled drugs (co***ne). 51-year-old, Louis Lopez was also arrested for aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs (fentanyl), unlawful trafficking of scheduled drugs (co***ne), and unsworn falsification. The driver, 38-year-old Farmingdale resident, Michael Griffin, was charged with operating after license suspended, failure to provide proof of insurance, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker.
Drugs siezed during this traffic stop are as follows:
91.83 grams of fentanyl
27.37 grams of co***ne
54.06 grams of cutting substance

The drugs taken off the street continue to show we are in a war with the trafficking and using of these dangerous drugs. Not just in our Town but everywhere in the great State of Maine. The Skowhegan Police Department will continue to locate these drugs, arrest the people poisoning our citizens and ensuring you can sleep safe at night.
A great job by all Skowhegan Officers, they are constantly working to keep Skowhegan a safe place to live, work, and visit. Chief Bucknam

05/25/2026

What an amazing morning. Although the parade needed to be canceled, the memorial service was excellent. The church was packed and our speakers did an amazing job. I would personally like to thank the Skowhegan High School band. What a superb performance and the music echoed all through the church. Goose bumps to say the least. I would also like to say thank you to all the men and woman who gave lives defending our way of life. I’m sorry we were unable to see your names etched in stone today, but you know I’ve spoken to each and everyone one of you over the past 9 years. It was an honor to be part of this ceremony. Thank you to our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coastguard, and Space Force who allow all of us to sleep safely at night. Chief Bucknam

05/24/2026

Good morning Skowhegan, this was a difficult decision but we have canceled the Skowhegan Memorial Day parade. The ceremony to honor our Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice will take place at the Federated Church at 10am. I hope everyone can join us as we honor the men and woman who fought to keep this country free. Chief Bucknam

Good evening Skowhegan, as the Memorial Day parade is set for tomorrow at 10am. We are seriously looking at the weather. The last thing we want is for someone to get hurt if the weather doesn’t cooperate. We will make a call tomorrow morning at 8am. If the parade is canceled, we will hold the ceremony at the Federated Church on the island at 10am. Fingers crossed and no one say anything negative about mother nature. Keeping Skowhegan a safe place to live, work, and visit. Chief Bucknam

05/22/2026

Good evening Skowhegan, as Memorial Day weekend is kicking off. There are moments in time that just make you stop and admire the little things in life. Stay safe this weekend and I hope to see you at the parade that starts at 10am from Dyer street. Keeping Skowhegan a safe place to live, work, and visit. Chief Bucknam

05/12/2026

Our hearts are saddened at this tragic loss. Our prayers are with every Warden and their families. Chief Bucknam

We are heartbroken to share that a Maine Game Warden died this morning following a plane crash in Avon, near Schoolhouse Pond. The crash occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m.

This is a devastating loss for the Maine Warden Service, our Department, and the people of Maine. Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those impacted by this tragedy.

We will share additional information as it becomes available.

05/08/2026

Good morning Skowhegan, over the course of the week, I am sure you have seen numerous Law Enforcement Vehicles all through Town. This is due to Skowhegan hosting training events here at the Public Safety Building. This week’s training featured the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) teaching a Supervisory Leadership Course. This class supported 23 Law Enforcement Professionals from 18 Law Enforcement Agencies from all over the State of Maine. As the year moves forward you will see more training like this taking place in Skowhegan as we are dedicated to keeping Skowhegan a safe place to live, work, and visit. Chief Bucknam

04/29/2026

Good afternoon Skowhegan, over the past week there has been a series of destructive incidents at the Southside Cemetery in which headstones and Angel Statues have been vandalized. Today, Skowhegan Detective Sergeant Kelly Hooper and Detective Carolynn Taylor made contact with 28-Year-old Skowhegan resident Christian Newton. Christian was a person of interest from interviews conducted by Officer Benaiah Willhoite and Officer Alex Burns.

Christian was ultimately arrested on the following charges: Aggravated Criminal Mischief “Class C” Felony and Interference with Cemetery or Burial Ground “Class D” Misdemeanor. He was taken to the Somerset County Correctional Facility for processing with bail set at $2,500 dollars

This investigation is ongoing and is believed there are additional people involved. This needless destruction is unacceptable and damaging to the community. I urge the remaining parties to clear their conscience and turn themselves in. We will not rest until this investigation is closed. I am also calling on our citizens, if you have any information as to the destruction of the Cemetery headstones, please reach out to the Skowhegan Police Department at (207)-474-6908. Chief Bucknam

04/16/2026

Good morning Skowhegan, since the beginning of 2026, Skowhegan Police Department has been extremely busy, and with the recovery of our missing child yesterday, I’m taking a second to try and catch up.

I am proud to announce Skowhegan Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Christiansen and his wife, Sergeant Emily Christiansen from the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, are the 2026 recipients of the Peter MacVane Hall of Fame award presented at the Special Olympics Torch Run Conference.

For those who are not aware, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maine is the state’s largest fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics, involving hundreds of Police Officers running the "Flame of Hope" across Maine. As "Guardians of the Flame," Police and Athletes relay the torch to the opening ceremonies of the annual Summer Games at the University of Maine in Orono. This torch run comes through Skowhegan every year with many Skowhegan Officers and Special Olympic Athletes talking part. They run from Water Street in Skowhegan onto Route 2, through the Town of Canaan and switch out in the Town of Newport.

It’s very exciting to see one of Skowhegan’s and Kennebec’s finest being recognized for their dedication, commitment, and support for this organization. Congratulations to both of you. Keeping Skowhegan a safe place to live, work and visit. Chief Bucknam

04/15/2026

She has been Found and is Safe

The Skowhegan Police Department would like to thank the numerous parents and friends of Summer Steward who provided tips and leads for our Detectives as they tirelessly worked to locate her. The information gathered led to a person of interest in the City of Westbrook and through a coordinated effort between agencies, Detectives and Officers from Westbrook located Summer in a shopping mall parking lot and took her into protective custody.

Detective Sergeant Kelly Hooper and Detective Carolynn Taylor traveled to Westbrook to continue the investigation once confirmation of her identify was verified. She has since been reunited with her family.

It has been three (3) days of active searching, interviewing, and following leads, to bring this investigation to a safe resolution. For everyone involved, it is an amazing moment to hear the words… We found her! Every child deserves to be protected and live in a safe environment, and the Skowhegan Police Department will never stop fighting to provide that for our citizens. I thank all agencies which have and are still assisting with this investigation to ensure the person(s) involved are held responsible for their actions. Chief Bucknam