Suspect slapped with new charge

HOULTON – An Oakfield man who police believe was behind a Thanksgiving Day melee found himself in even hotter water Tuesday when he allegedly tried to contact his victim from jail.

Aroostook County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Montpetit said that an additional charge of tampering with a victim was added to the rap sheet of Mark T. Smith, 46, after he reportedly tried to telephone a family member who was involved in last week’s incident.

Police were called to Smith’s residence on the Thompson Settlement Road last Thursday after a caller reported that a family fight was in progress at the home shortly before 9:15 p.m.

When police arrived, Smith allegedly fired one round from a handgun inside the house.

Smith’s wife and four children were still inside, according to Montpetit.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

Six other law enforcement personnel joined Montpetit at the scene, including two Maine State Police troopers. The men were able to subdue Smith, who was arrested and charged with terrorizing, reckless conduct with a firearm, and attempted elevated aggravated assault. Bail was set at $5,000 cash, which Smith was unable to meet.

After police determined that Smith had attempted to reach one of his victims by phone Tuesday morning, the additional charge was added.

Smith remained in jail late Tuesday.

If convicted, Smith could face up to 10 years in prison.

Aroostook County Sheriff Chief Deputy Craig Clossey, Sgt. Mike Berube, Deputy Vance Palmer and Deputy Stephen Wotton assisted in the incident, alongside Troopers Rob Flynn and Greg Burns.