Oxford Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Man Accused of Causing $45,000 of Damage to Sunday River Ski Slopes, Gates

by Edward Tomic | Mar 13, 2025

The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that following a multi-day search they have arrested a suspect accused of crashing his vehicle into ski lift gates and the slopes at Sunday River Resort in Newry.

Deputies responded to Sunday River at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, to investigate a report of an aggravated criminal mischief incident that had occurred at the resort during the early morning hours.

At the resort, deputies observed that there was significant damage and large deep ruts in the ski slopes behind the South Ridge Lodge, believed to have been caused by a vehicle that had also crashed into the ski lift scan gates before fleeing the area.

The damage to the ski slopes and gates was estimated to be in excess of $45,000, the sheriff’s office stated.

The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office worked with Sunday River security and were able to quickly identify the suspect, his address and the vehicle involved in the incident.

The vehicle in question, a dark colored 2022 Subaru Impreza, was found at the suspect’s residence in Mexico, Maine, and had extensive body damage.

The sheriff’s office stated that “[m]any unsuccessful attempts were made to find and arrest the suspect.”

On Wednesday, March 12, deputies were able to locate the suspect, 33-year-old Jesse Bates at his residence in Mexico, where he was arrested without incident.

Bates was transported to the Oxford County Jail and was charged with aggravated criminal mischief and violation of conditions of release.

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Jesse Bates, 33, of Mexico | Source: Oxford County Sheriff’s Office

Edward Tomic is a reporter for The Maine Wire based in Southern Maine. He grew up near Boston, Massachusetts and is a graduate of Boston University. He can be reached at [email protected]

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