Caretaker impedes Mount Desert burglary
3/12/09 | 11 comments
burglary

Caretaker impedes Mount Desert burglary


By Rich Hewitt
BDN Staff
PHOTO COURTESY OF HANCOCK COUNTY JAIL
James Grindel

MOUNT DESERT, Maine — A would-be burglar remained in custody Wednesday after he was thwarted in his attempt to rob a summer home the day before.

According to Mount Desert Police Chief Jim Willis, James Grindel, 43, formerly of Hancock, was arrested and charged with burglary after he led police on a chase around Mount Desert Island on Tuesday morning.

Willis said the caretaker, whose name was not released, responded to notification from a security company that an alarm had been tripped at a residence near Barletts Landing Road in the Pretty Marsh area of town. The caretaker brought someone with him, Willis said, and the two men went up to the home on foot where they surprised Grindel who was coming out of the building.

“The caretaker told Grindel he would have to stay there until the police arrived,” the chief said. “Grindel said he wasn’t going to do that.”

The two men got back into the caretaker’s pickup truck, which was blocking the driveway and Grindel’s escape, according to the chief. Grindel then allegedly rammed the truck several times with his own vehicle, Willis said.

While this was happening, the caretaker used his cell phone to call police who told him to get out of the way. He backed down the long driveway, followed by Grindel who allegedly rammed the pickup several more times along the way, Willis said. The suspect also got out of his vehicle and threatened the two men, the chief said.

When they reached the main road, Grindel took off, with the caretaker behind him, reporting his position to police officers who were coming, Willis said. Officers from several agencies joined the chase. Although it was not a high-speed chase, Willis said Grindel refused to stop even when officers caught up with him.

The chase went from Pretty Marsh into the town of Tremont. Grindel eventually was stopped by a Maine State Trooper on Route 102 near Beaver Corner.

Grindel has a long history with police and recently was released from prison on earlier burglary and theft charges. He was convicted on charges stemming from the theft of thousands of dollars worth of antiques, including a bronze statue valued at about $60,000.

On Tuesday, he was arrested and charged with burglary, but, according to Willis, other charges are pending a review by the district attorney’s office. He is being held at the Hancock County Jail on $25,000 bail with one surety or $10,000 cash.

rhewitt@bangordailynews.net

667-9394

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Comments
11 comments on this item
On 3/11/09 at 10:29 PM, Beelzebubba wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A face only a mother could love...

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On 3/11/09 at 11:04 PM, Jimkearns wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

being a victim of a home burglary, throw the book at this creep...the caretaker should have had mr. smith and wessen say a few words to him when he was ramming their truck!

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On 3/12/09 at 6:54 AM, freedomfighter wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

He stole $60,000 before, why was he out of jail? He doesn't look like the working type.

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On 3/12/09 at 9:27 AM, retiredfarmer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I wonder who is buying his loot? That's the guy to get. Maybe this miscreant will tell all, in view of the possible number of years in jail he faces. He'll be all prison gray by the time he gets out!

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On 3/12/09 at 9:28 AM, eastman wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

He aint the brightest bulb in town , Is he?

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On 3/12/09 at 3:08 PM, MauricefromBangor wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 3/12/09 at 3:57 PM, dontdodo wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 3/12/09 at 4:04 PM, David889327 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 3/12/09 at 5:27 PM, Louise wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 3/12/09 at 6:44 PM, meshfox wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This scum could have killed my workmate and I. We were working on the private road all day when this dirt bag did this. The cops said we were lucky we were not hurt. The one cop said the guy comes back to this location again and again and doesnt give a rats azz about the law. I wish the caretaker would have shot him, i know he wanted to. If he comes back to where I work, he is in deep shyte. My guess is he will not look this good.

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On 3/13/09 at 12:32 PM, acadian wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The police know he is part of one of the local crews. They have known him personally for years, and put up with him because their afraid or in cahoots with his groups leader. The D.A. and Judges have proven this alliance by the light taps all these fellows have received in years past...$60,000.00 in stolen goods. Our local legal system has built these fellows up through inaction placing them to be feared upon pedestals and to be worshiped.

I wish the caretaker, luck seriously in getting this guy to pay in getting the truck repaired. Do not let the usual Maine enforcement line of "this is a civil matter" in regards to your trucks repairs deter you from following through. I am not saying they will, but the past dictates they will state your blocking this fellow in was your own choice and therefore damages a civil matter. On the other hand the Maine victim repayment plan is a winna...you may get twenty bucks in ten years to fix your truck (some fuzzy dice money).

You may have saved your truck and yourself hurt and anguish to have just beat him to a pulp. Then called in the police and said you found the door open where it was secured and this guy unconscious, adding apparently he fell on the ice (make sure that he is laying on the ice). The police..."get out of his way"...and then a concurrent jurisdiction low speed chase promoting their abilities...geeez...get out the mucka boots. Put a axe or maul handle behind the seat of truck...and if your not sure of your abilities go see one of the areas self defense experts (my saying this is not in any way ridiculing you) to give you some tips with its use.

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