According to a press release by Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch, a tense situation in downtown Boothbay Harbor was quickly resolved without incident on Saturday, May 12.   

Hasch reported that Officer John Braley was on duty at noon, when Lincoln County Communications Center informed him that Jedidiah Watson, 38, Lisbon, who was wanted for stealing a motor vehicle from the Biddeford area, was likely in Boothbay Harbor. Reports indicated that Mr. Watson had also possibly stolen a firearm, had three warrants for his arrest, and was considered dangerous.

Officer Braley located the stolen vehicle on Howard Street and with the help of the Communications Center and several local community members was able to determine Mr. Watson’s location in an apartment on Howard Street. Police cordoned off Howard Street, evacuated nearby apartments and had the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library lock its doors.

With assistance from Officers Polizzotti, Chryplewicz, Chief Hasch, and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Fowles and Sgt. Shea, Mr. Watson was arrested without incident as he attempted to escape via a fire escape from the Howard Street apartment. In addition to the stolen vehicle charge, Watson was also arrested on warrants for burglary, theft and unpaid fines.

The stolen vehicle was seized and returned to the owner.