Detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office (LCSO) have arrested Colton Thayer, 20 of Wiscasset, in connection with a 2008 arson involving a pickup belonging to recently retired Wiscasset Police Officer Alfred “Willy” Simmons.
The March 10 arrest came after new information arose in the case, which had been categorized as “cold” by investigators. According to LCSO Lt. Michael J. Murphy, the incident occurred in the parking lot of the Wiscasset police station on June 20, 2008. The early morning blaze completely destroyed Simmons 1994 Toyota pickup and caused significant damage to a police cruiser, which was parked next to the truck. Simmons was on duty and inside the station at the time.
“We believe Mr. Simmons was specifically targeted,” said Murphy.
Due to the extent of the damage, investigators have not determined how the fire was set. Thayer was arrested without incident and booked at the Two Bridges Jail. He was later released on a $10,000 cash bond pending a later appearance in Wiscasset Superior Court.
Murphy said an extensive investigation was launched at the time of the fire involving the LCSO, Wiscasset Police Dept, Maine Fire Marshall’s Office, and the Maine State Police Crime Lab. Despite the aggressive investigation, the case went “dry,” said Murphy, but officials recently received a tip leading to Thayer.
Murphy said the investigation remains active and further charges may be pending. The LCSO is urging any persons having information concerning this investigation to contact Det. Sgt. Kenneth Hatch at 882-7332.
