Police arrest Newburgh woman in altercation

An intoxicated Newburgh woman was arrested Wednesday night after striking an officer in the throat, according to police.

Valerie Hopkins, 35, went to the 2991 Western Ave. (Route 9) residence she previously shared with the occupant to retrieve her belongings. The occupant immediately locked the front door and called the police. “He didn’t want her in because every time they’re intoxicated, they fight,” Deputy Sean McCue said Thursday.

Before McCue arrived, Hopkins banged on the front door and destroyed it. She then went around to the back entrance, which was unlocked, and entered the house. The occupant reportedly grabbed Hopkins’ arms and pushed her out the front door. When McCue arrived, Hopkins told him that the man had struck her. He denied the accusation, saying that the small abrasion on Hopkins’ left cheek and the scratch on her throat occurred when he pushed her out the front screen door, which she had broken moments before. While McCue explained the situation to Sgt. Troy Morton, who had arrived on the scene, Hopkins was asked to sit in the passenger seat of her vehicle. Hopkins, who wanted to get her jacket from inside the house, became belligerent. “You guys are gonna get me for OUI,” she said. Hopkins got out of the vehicle and headed toward the house. While she was being escorted back to her vehicle, Hopkins allegedly struck Morton in the throat. Hopkins was arrested on charges of criminal mischief and assault. She was taken to Penobscot County Jail, where she was released on $500 bail. Hopkins has been ordered not to return to the residence or talk to the occupant.

No charges were filed against the occupant.

Two women were arrested after accusations they had damaged a vehicle at the Ramada Inn parking lot in Bangor early Thursday morning. Officer Dennis Townsend saw a crowd as the bar was letting out. He investigated and an unidentified man approached him, saying his car had been vandalized. The man pointed at two women in a car next to his, accusing them of causing the damage. The driver, Tabitha Gosselin, 23, of Bangor, began shouting. Townsend gave Gosselin her a disorderly conduct warning.

Shannon Morse, 24, of Bangor got out of the passenger side of the car and told Townsend her friend had not caused the damage.

Gosselin got out of her car and pushed the man, Townsend said. The officer handcuffed Gosselin and placed her in the back of his cruiser. The man left without making a formal complaint, but both women were arrested and taken to Penobscot County Jail. Gosselin was charged with disorderly conduct and her bail was set at $200. Officer Wade Betters, who also assisted with the incident, arrested Morse on charges of obstructing government administration. Morse’s bail was set at $500. Both women made bail Thursday.

– Compiled by NEWS reporter Aimee Dolloff