ROCKLAND — An ongoing investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Administration has led to multiple arrests people associated with a house in Rockland. Arrest warrants for drug trafficking were initiated by MDEA. 

On June 6, Knott Street and portions of Maverick and Cedar streets were closed as Rockland Police as a precaution after the occupants of 40 Knott Street initially refused to exit the house at the request of agents and Rockland police officers.

“Due to the information obtained and the occupants refusing to exit the building after several lawful orders by law enforcement, the Maine State Police Tactical Team arrived to assist with the execution of the warrant,” said Rockland Interim Deputy Police Chief Alex Gaylor, in a news release.

RPD officers became involved at approximately 5:30 p.m. on June 6 and helped by securing a perimeter around the house. The officers also assisted by communicating with some of the individuals in the house.

Over the course of the next 4.5 hours, occupants of the house individually surrendered to police and were taken to the Knox County Jail. Some were transported by Rockland officers. At least one was transported by a deputy from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. 

Christopher Barnes, 37, contacted law enforcement to negotiate his surrender, according to Gaylor. Christopher Barnes and two other individuals exited the residence and Christopher was arrested on charges that include Aggravated Trafficking of Schedule Drugs and Violation of Conditions of Release.

After several attempts to contact additional barricaded subjects still inside the residence, the Maine State Police Tactical Team was able to successfully negotiate the peaceful surrender of three more individuals, including Brian Lee, 35, Kayla Faller, 25, and Daniel Barnes, 35. All were arrested for refusing to submit to arrest, as well as various other charges, according to Gaylor. Faller and Daniel Barnes were arrested for violating conditions of release and Daniel was charged with an outstanding warrant for theft, trespassing and violation conditions of release.

“Rockland Police would like to thank the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency for their continued efforts and assistance in this investigation and ongoing investigations at other locations in the city,” said RPD. “Also, we would like to thank the Knox County Sheriff's Office for their assistance and the Maine State Police Tactical Team for their professionalism, expertise, and assistance in bringing this incident to a peaceful ending.”

The streets were reopened at 10:30 p.m.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com