Fire Marshal Executes Warrant in Pittston; Arrest Tied to Newcastle Explosives Case

September 24, 2025

By: Scanner Alerts Media Group

The Office of State Fire Marshal executed an arrest warrant at 158 Wiscasset Road in Pittston in connection with an investigation that began after deputies discovered explosive devices during a September 22 traffic stop in Newcastle.

At approximately 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, the Maine State Police Tactical Team assisted Fire Marshal investigators with the high-risk warrant service. As a result, 43-year-old Nicholas Presby of Augusta—an occupant of the vehicle stopped Monday by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office—was arrested without incident. Presby, who was present at the Pittston residence but does not live there, is in the custody of the Fire Marshal’s Office and will be charged with one count of Criminal Use of Explosives (Class C).

A significant law enforcement presence remains in the Pittston/Randolph area, and Route 27 (Dresden Road) remains closed as investigators work the scene. The Maine State Police Bomb Team is assisting with the search of the residence. Out of an abundance of caution, the Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School was placed in lockdown during execution of the warrant; the lockdown has since been lifted, with deputies and Fire Marshal investigators remaining at the school during the operation. Officials report there is no current threat to the public.

Agencies assisting include the Maine State Police Tactical Team, Maine State Police Bomb Team, Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, Gardiner Fire & Rescue, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and ATF.

Previous release (Sept. 22): During a traffic stop on Main Street in Newcastle, deputies arrested the driver on an outstanding warrant and located material resembling an explosive device in the vehicle. The device was secured and removed for laboratory analysis. The Fire Marshal’s Office assumed lead in the investigation.

Credit: Office of State Fire Marshal