Houlton man arrested after collision with Yankee Grocer in County, linked to multiple incidents

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) – On Friday, August 16, 2024, at 8:58 p.m., Houlton Police responded to a car crash at the County Yankee Grocer located at 101 Military Street. Upon arrival, Officer Josh Foster and Officer Joshua Robbins confirmed a vehicle had entered the building and entered the liquor area, causing significant property and merchandise damage. According to witnesses, employees and store video, the vehicle made no attempt to stop prior to the collision. When officers arrived, the suspect vehicle fled the area. No injuries were reported. An investigation was immediately launched and the vehicle, a green 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup truck, was located and the suspect vehicle was determined to be disabled.

Officers were able to contact and identify the driver of the vehicle. As a result of the investigation, Lorne E. Bridges, 59, of Houlton was arrested and charged with the following violations. He was transported to the Aroostook County Jail where he was later released on bail.

1- Reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon (Class C).

2- Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage (Class E).

3- Operational and unregistered motor vehicle (class E).

4- No proof of insurance.

Fortunately, neither the driver, passenger, nor any of the County Yankee's occupants were injured in the accident. The vehicle was towed and thoroughly inspected by the Department of Public Works inspection mechanic. The incident remains under investigation.

Similar incident. On August 12, 2024, at 9:41 a.m. and four (4) days prior to the County Yankee incident, Officer Ethan Jacques responded to a reported automobile crash into a building located at 76 High Street. During the investigation, two additional complaints were received for a crash involving the same vehicle throughout Houlton, one of which was for property damage. Officer Jacques was able to locate and stop the vehicle in question on High Street. Further investigation determined that the vehicle was responsible for all of the reported incidents. The vehicle, a green 1998 Dodge Dakota pickup truck, was found to be operating as a defective motor vehicle. Officers identified the driver as Lorne Bridges, 59, of Houlton, who was then charged with the following charges:

1- Driving a defective motor vehicle (class E).

2- Installation of false panels (Class E).

3- Leaving the scene of the accident (Class E).

4- No proof of insurance.

No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed and the license plates were removed. The incident remains under investigation.

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