Rockland Police blame lack of mental health resources after arresting woman in crisis

ROCKLAND (WGME) – Around 10:30 p.m. Monday, Rockland Police spotted 30-year-old Sierra McDonald in a stolen canoe just off shore from the public boat launch.

Police say she then took her clothes off, jumped into the water and climbed onto a lobster fishing boat and tried to untie it.

“Our default for taking someone into protective custody is bringing them to the nearest medical facility by statute,” said Rockland Deputy Police Chief Alex Gaylor. “Unfortunately, we learned that she was being released very quickly from the hospital. So, at that point, we didn’t have any other choice for public safety wise but to take her into custody.”

Tuesday morning, police discovered more damage to the windows of local businesses and vehicles, about $10,000 worth of damage they say McDonald caused.

It was also next door to the Coastal Children’s Museum.

“There was a bunch of rocks like strewn all over the ground,” Hart said. “I was worried because this is a children’s museum and we want to make sure that it’s a safe and fun place for families to come with their kids.”

The Rockland Police Department does not have a mental health liason, but officers are trained for situations like this one.

They partner with Volunteers of America who take on their case management work.

They say mental health is a factor in many of the calls they respond to and they need more resources for these situations.

“When there’s no other option, they end up getting charged criminally or going to jail when there might be a better alternative like some sort of secure mental health facility,” Gaylor said.

The nearest facility like that is Riverview Psychiatric Center an hour away in Augusta.

“I kind of wish she had been able to stay where she was, in terms of getting help medically,” said Deputy Chief Gaylor.

McDonald is charged with theft, aggravated criminal mischief, among other charges.