Firearm

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM, Troopers from the Maine State Police Central Field Troop responded to the area of Unity Road in Benton following multiple 911 calls reporting a man walking down the road and recklessly firing a pistol, including toward homes. Troopers quickly located the individual and safely detained him without incident.

The man, identified as 32-year-old Joseph Costa, who is currently unhoused, was found to be in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Costa was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. He was later transported to the Kennebec County Jail and charged with 12 counts of aggravated reckless conduct with a firearm and one count of discharging a firearm near a dwelling. Costa was denied bail and is awaiting his initial court appearance.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Maine State Police at 207-624-7076 or email Trooper Tyler Nadeau at Tyler.W.Nadeau@maine.gov.