On Aug. 20, at about 9 a.m., Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office attempted to apprehend a Head Tide Hill Road resident identified as 51-year-old Robert D. Willett. Willett had an active arrest warrant for terrorizing stemming from a prior investigation by Auburn Police Department. In addition to the arrest warrant, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office had applied for and received a search warrant for Willett’s residence to seize firearms and related evidence. 

Upon observing law enforcement personnel arriving on the scene, Willett fled on an ATV before taking refuge inside a nearby residence. Deputies spoke with Willett on the phone explaining the circumstances and attempting to get him to surrender himself peacefully. However, Willett escalated his behavior and made violent threats toward officers on scene. 

The heightened threat level and risk of violence prompted deputies to contact the Maine State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team to assist them. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office also deployed its aerial drone unit to provide critical situational awareness and support safe operations. 

Following nearly 10 hours of continuous negotiation, Willett surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without further incident by the Maine State Police Tactical Team. 

Willett was transported to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset. In addition to the original Auburn Police Department arrest warrant, he faces new charges of Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon and Creating a Police Standoff.

Following the arrest, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division executed the search warrant at the residence. Additionally, deputies applied for and were granted a Weapons Restriction Order (Yellow Flag Order), which was formally served on Willett. 

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to all responding agencies and personnel whose patience, expertise and teamwork brought this high-risk situation to a safe conclusion. Special thanks go to the Maine State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team for their deliberate de-escalation efforts, as well as Alna Fire Department, Whitefield Fire Department and Wiscasset Ambulance Service for securing the perimeter, closing roads and ensuring public safety throughout the incident. 

Finally, the Sheriff’s Office thanks local residents and motorists for their patience, cooperation and understanding during this extended operation.