ROCKLAND – A Whitefield man was arrested March 26, accused of breaking into a Rockland apartment, stealing a safe, and dousing  the residence in liquid skunk essence.

Robert King Jr., 60, was arrested on a warrant for burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, and theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, according to Rockland Police.

The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) lead the investigation and with the assistance from the Lincoln’s County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at King’s residence in Whitefield on March 25. A stolen sentry safe was recovered during the search, police said.

King was arrested later in the day after the search of his home.

According to the affidavit filed in Knox County Court by Rockland Police on March 27, they received a report of a burglary at a residence on Tillson Ave. on March 23. The CID investigated and determined that the suspect made entry into the apartment while the owner was on vacation, stole a safe, and poured skunk essence on his computer, bed, and furniture.

When the resident returned to his apartment, he could smell the skunk essence in the hallway. Inside he found that the liquid was poured on his laptop which is no longer working and inside all of his dresser drawers.

Detectives examined the surveillance footage from nearby businesses and were able to identify the suspect, who was known to the woman who is currently a friend of the victim. Police also recovered some of the items involved in the crime from a nearby dumpster.

The woman told police that King allegedly has a temper and previously threatened to injure the victim.

King’s bail was set at $1,500 on March 25 which he posted. A condition of his bail includes that he has no contact with the victim or return to his Tilson Ave. residence.

A date for King’s initial appearance in Knox County Court has not yet been scheduled.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Jordan Jandreau at JJandreau@RocklandMaine.Gov. 

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com