Two Maine men are facing multiple charges after police say a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of illegally hunted deer and night hunting activity early Monday morning, according to the Brunswick Police Department.
Police said an officer stopped a vehicle on Pleasant Hill Road after observing several traffic violations. As the officer approached the vehicle, he reportedly saw a crossbow in the front seat and discovered two dead deer in the rear hatch area.
The driver, identified as Lee Holbrook, 36, of Durham, allegedly told officers the deer had just been shot from inside the vehicle.Â
Holbrook was arrested and charged with night hunting, unlawful discharge of archery equipment, hunting without a license, illegal possession of wild animals, having a loaded crossbow inside a motor vehicle, unlawful use of artificial lights and operating after suspension.
Investigators later determined a second suspect was involved. Officers said they followed fresh footprints in the snow from the scene and located Robert Little, 36, of Lewiston, on Pleasant Street. Little was charged with night hunting and unlawful discharge of archery equipment.
Little was summonsed to appear in West Bath District Court on Feb. 3 and was released from custody. Holbrook is being held at the Cumberland County Jail on a probation hold, police said.
Authorities stated the illegally harvested deer were turned over to the Maine Warden Service and will be distributed to local food pantries.
