Augusta Police Arrest Murder Suspect

AUGUSTA, ME — An Ohio murder suspect was captured during a routine bail check in Augusta on Bridge Street Wednesday. Matthew Mason, 18, of Sandusky, Ohio, allegedly shot a man to death in that state March 22 then fled to Maine.

Augusta Deputy police Chief Jared Mills said officers conducted a bail check on Larry Murphy, 43, at his 117 Bridge Street residence. Murphy was out on a drug trafficking charge. Officers said they found Mason and two others in the residence — along with nearly 30 grams of cocaine and heroin.

Murphy was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated drug trafficking and violating bail conditions. Trevon Orman, 22, of Sandusky, Ohio, was charged with two counts of aggravated drug trafficking. A woman also located in the residence was not immediately charged.

Mills said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are likely. He credited residents for calling in tips about illegal drug activity on Bridge Street.

"The message is clear," Mills said. "The great citizens of Augusta will not tolerate people selling drugs in our community. They will call us when it is happening and sooner or later you will get arrested."

Lead photo: Matthew Mason. (Credit: Augusta Police Department)