Belfast police have arrested a 37-year-old in connection with the burglary of a store on Belmont Avenue.
The July 1 arrest brings an investigation that began nearly two weeks earlier to what authorities described as a swift resolution for the business and its owners.
According to the Belfast Police Department, officers responded on June 18 to a report of a burglary at the Rip Tide Smoke Shop, located at 67 Belmont Ave. Investigators determined the break-in had occurred overnight while the business was closed.
Following an investigation and the development of leads, Belfast police located the suspect shortly after 11 a.m. on July 1 in Orland. Officers reported that the man was in possession of some of the merchandise stolen during the burglary and was positively identified as the individual they had been seeking. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to Belfast for booking.
Police identified the suspect as Raymond Douglas Cohen, 37, who does not have housing but has ties to Orland. He has been charged with burglary under Maine law, a Class C felony, in connection with the June 18 break-in.
Authorities said Cohen was already on state probation at the time of his arrest. As a result of the new charge, his probation has been revoked, and he is currently being held at the Waldo County Jail.
Cohen was scheduled to be arraigned in Waldo County Superior Court in Belfast on July 2. He is also scheduled to return to court on Aug. 19. As with all criminal defendants, the charges are allegations, and Cohen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
In announcing the arrest, Police Chief Robert Cormier commended Detective Sgt. Fitzpatrick and Officers Harriman and Sanderson for their investigative work, crediting their efforts and determination with helping bring the case to a close for the victims. Police are continuing to ask anyone with additional information related to the burglary to contact the Belfast Police Department at 207-338-2040.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.