LATEST UPDATE — Belfast Police Chief Bobby Cormier issued another press release at approximately 4 p.m., July 28, with additional information regarding the burglary suspect:

"On Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at approximately 8:20 a.m. the Belfast Police Department received a call of a disturbance which they learned enroute was a burglary in progress at 12 Chickadee Circle, in East Belfast," the release said.

"The residents reported the suspect had entered through a bedroom window with a handgun and was in their daughter’s bedroom. Additional information learned by officers was that the suspect had a court protection order not to be at that address, he had made several threats to harm family members with a firearm and told them he would never surrender to police.

"The armed suspect, [later identified as 24-year-old Thatcher Jackson] then fled out a window and into the woods near the house. Witnesses reported the suspect fled into a wooded area off Swan Lake Avenue, behind Chickadee Circle.

"The Belfast Police Department, Maine State Police Tactical Team and Waldo County Sheriff's Department all responded and began searching the wooded area behind Chickadee Circle with K9 dogs. The focus of the search was between Swan Lake Ave and Patterson Hill Road. Residents in the area were also asked to shelter in place, be vigilant and report anything or anyone suspicious to the Waldo County Communications Center at 207-338-2040 or call 911.

"At approximately 12:45 p.m., the suspect was located on Patterson Hill Road and taken into custody without incident. Arrested was Thatcher Jackson, 24, born, Sept. 17, 2001, of 8 Crocker Road, Belfast. Jackson has been charged with assault, aggravated criminal threatening with a weapon, aggravated criminal tresspass, violation of a protection from abuse order and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. 

"Jackson also had several outstanding felony arrest warrants and is being held in Waldo County Jail without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Waldo County Superior Court on Wednesday, July 29th.

"This case is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Belfast Police Department at 207-338-2040."

BELFAST — A suspect has been taken into custody after allegedly hiding in the woods in an attempt to evade arrest for burglary, according to the most recent media release from Belfast Police Chief Bobby Cormier. 

Thatcher Jackson, 24, was taken into custody just after 12:45 p.m., in the area of the East Side School following a report of a burglary on the East Side of Belfast. Following the burglary Jackson fled into the woods, armed with a gun, according to the initial report. 

Jackson has been charged with criminal threatening, burglary, violation of a protection order, and numerous outstanding warrants, according to the updated media release. Additional charges are expected.

Area residents were asked to stay in their homes while they searched for Jackson, who was reportedly suspected to be "armed and dangerous." 

Earlier press release: 

Police activity; active search for armed individual: On this date, shortly after 8 a.m., Belfast Police Department received a report of a burglary on the east side of Belfast and the suspect fled into the wooded area between Swan Lake Ave and Chickadee Cir. Belfast Police Department and Maine State Police are actively searching the area of Swan Lake Ave, Patterson Hill, and Kaler roads. Residents are asked to shelter in place be vigilant and report anything or anyone that they think are suspicious to Waldo County Communications at 207-338-2040 or call 911.