Maine Jewish summer camp seeks protection order against neighbor after shooting incident

Camp Modin, a Jewish summer camp in Maine, has sought an emergency protection order against a neighboring property owner after a shooting incident on August 7 forced the facility into lockdown. The order would prohibit Nathan R. Hewett, 36, from accessing camp grounds and contacting staff.

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Hewett deliberately disrupts the grounds by shining vehicle high beams and launching late-night fireworks, alongside a pattern of discharging firearms nearby that causes distress to campers.

Camp owner Pascal Cohen stated in the protection order request that Hewett has engaged in a pattern of disruptive behavior. This includes shining vehicle high beams and setting off fireworks late at night, as well as discharging firearms near the camp, which causes distress to the campers. Security guards reported that the August 7 incident began with a verbal confrontation over a damaged tractor, which escalated when Hewett became irrationally angry and began hurling insults.

According to court documents, Hewett blamed the camp for damaging his tractor. While his father reportedly expressed concern about his son's behavior, Nathan Hewett allegedly lost his temper. Security guards also testified to escalating tensions over weeks, including a prior complaint from Hewett about noise levels, accompanied by veiled threats. One guard claimed Hewett regularly crossed the property line to shout abuse, especially when drinking alcohol.

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while Raymond engaged calmly and privately expressed concern that his son posed a danger, Nathan Hewett lost his temper, hurling insults and profanities while acting entirely irrational.

Following the verbal clash, guards heard approximately 20 rounds fired from a semi-automatic rifle. Deputies responding to the scene found the camp in lockdown. Shell casings indicated that bullets may have been directed toward a basketball court at the back of the camp. Authorities seized 23 firearms from Hewett's property.

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the neighbor regularly crossed to the boundary line to hurl abuse, a behavior exacerbated whenever he drank alcohol.