INDIAN ISLAND — Penobscot Nation tribal officials say their reservation’s sovereignty was violated when Maine State Police boarded several buses taking people to high-stakes bingo games. State police are calling it a routine bus inspection.
The Bangor Daily News says that last weekend’s action resulted in summonses that included a driver’s suspended license, an out-of-date log book and broken brake lights. Eight warnings were issued.
Penobscot Nation police Chief Robert Bryant and other tribal representatives protested that uniformed troopers crossed the bridge onto reservation with no prior notice and that police acted outside their jurisdiction. Tribal Chief Kirk Francis calls it a slap in the face to tribal sovereignty.
State police note they also regulate buses traveling to Hollywood Slots in Bangor and rafting company buses in northern Maine.
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