Shots Fired, 1 Arrested After Bridgewater Dispute

A Bridgewater man was arrested on Monday after getting in to a dispute with a neighbor on the Boundary Line Road that ended after shots were fired.

According to Chief Deputy Sheriff Darrell Crandall of the Aroostook County Sheriff's Department, a 911 call came in shortly before 8:00 a.m. on Monday from the home of 59-year-old Christian Rotter, reporting that neighbor, 33-year-old James Peaslee had just been at his residence making threats.The caller reported that Peaslee brandished  a “stun gun” before leaving the property.

As three Deputy Sheriffs were responding to the call, a neighbor called 911 reporting they heard gunshots in the area of the Rotter residence.

When Deputies arrived, they noticed the power line near Rotter’s home was damaged and learned the power was out. Deputies subsequently recovered an AK-47 rifle from Rotter’s residence that Deputies believe was fired at least three shots into the air, damaging the power line.

Additional evidence was recovered from the scene and Rotter was arrested and charged with Reckless Conduct with a Firearm, Criminal Mischief and Prohibited Possession of a Firearm. Following further investigation, Deputies also issued a criminal summons to Peaslee charging him with Criminal Threatening – a Class D misdemeanor.

It is not yet clear what sparked the feud between the two men, but the investigation is continuing. Luckily, no one was hurt during this unfortunate encounter.

The case has been submitted to the Aroostook County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

Rotter remains at the Aroostook County Jail pending an initial court appearance on Wednesday.