In a July 1 press release, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has reported vandalism and extensive damage to Novel Energy Solutions’ solar farm off Route 100 in New Gloucester.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Sunday night, June 30. A vehicle from the site appears to have been used, and at least two suspects were involved, according to the press release.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Cole Chandler (1-207-774-1444 ext. 2171 or Detective Sgt. Patrick Ferriter (207-774-1444 ext. 2173) of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
Damage apparent at the site included broken fencing, dented and broken panels, and an overturned tractor-trailer. The project, recently completed, is New Gloucester’s first large-scale commercial solar array. It was approved in November 2022.
The full Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office press release follows below. — J.C.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
Incident Date: 7-1-24
Incident Time: 0710
Incident Location:
Novel Energy Solutions Solar Farm
1288 Lewiston Road
New Gloucester Maine
Release Date: 07-01-24
Release Time: 1510
On the above date and time, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the above location for a report of a Felony Criminal Mischief incident that involved suspect(s) entering the Novel Energy Solutions Solar Farm and doing a significant amount of damage there. It was reported that the suspect(s) used a heavy construction equipment vehicle which was on the site to cause the damage.
CCSO Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene as the early reports indicated that several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of damage was done. The initial investigation indicates there were at least two suspects involved and that the incident began between 10:30 and 11:00pm on June 30th. Detectives are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s). If you have any information about this incident, please contact Detective Cole Chandler (1-207-774-1444 ext. 2171 or Detective Sgt. Patrick Ferriter (207-774-1444 ext. 2173) of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
