A property dispute in Portage Lake, Maine, between neighbors Gary Belanger, 63, and Carla and Peter Beaupre, culminated in the alleged destruction of the Beaupres' home by Belanger using a grapple skidder, a heavy-duty machine equipped with a hydraulic claw. The incident occurred on Saturday, leaving the Beaupres' residence severely damaged.
The conflict reportedly began when the Beaupres refused to grant Belanger permission to transport felled logs from an adjacent property across an access road that crosses their land. This disagreement escalated to the point where Belanger was served with a restraining order.
At the time of the alleged destruction, Belanger was reportedly out on bail and facing misdemeanor charges from two prior incidents involving the Beaupres. Police responding to the scene found Belanger on top of the grapple skidder, exhibiting what they described as hallucinations while allegedly "maliciously destroying" the property. The couple discovered their home in ruins upon returning home.
In addition to the house, the Beaupres claim Belanger also damaged a shed and a truck. A 500-gallon propane tank was also reportedly compromised, leading to a leak that trapped the couple's two dogs inside the home for several hours. The dogs were not injured.
Belanger has been charged with aggravated criminal mischief, criminal trespass, and violating conditions of release. He is being held at Aroostook County Jail on $10,000 bail, though prosecutors had sought $50,000. The Beaupres expressed frustration, with Carla stating, "The system failed us," adding that Belanger "did exactly what he said he was going to do."
Witnesses reported Belanger's "non-responsive nature" during the incident. The Beaupres stated that Belanger had previously threatened to drive his skidder through their home in mid-July, an incident that led to his arrest by Maine State Police on charges of criminal threatening, disorderly conduct, and violating conditions of release.
Lori Belanger, Gary Belanger's wife, offered an apology for her husband's actions, attributing them to "continual harassment and false claims" and significant personal medical news her husband has been dealing with. The Beaupres have denied these claims.
The Beaupres, whose home is insured, plan to rebuild and are currently staying with neighbors. Belanger is reportedly under house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor.