CLINTON — On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Clinton Police Officer Matthew Champagne was on patrol in the area of High and Water streets when he observed a gray Toyota Camry stopped at a traffic light while traveling west on Water Street.
(The account and quotations in this article were sourced from the printed Personnel Narrative of Officer Matthew Champagne and do not reflect any political perspective or personal opinion of News Link Live, which is strictly a business entity.)
“I also took notice that the operator was a Joseph Jakobsen, who I am familiar with due to previous encounters and interactions,” Officer Champagne said. “I was also aware that Mr. Jakobsen had a suspended Massachusetts driver’s license.”
Officer Champagne said he was able to confirm that Jakobsen’s license was suspended using the mobile data terminal in his cruiser.
At this time, Officer Champagne said he conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Jakobsen was driving, a 2012 gray Toyota Camry with New Hampshire plates.
“I spoke with the operator, who was confirmed to be Joseph Jakobsen, who was unable to provide me with any license or identification,” Officer Champagne said. “During our conversation, Mr. Jakobsen stated that he does not have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.”
Police said two male passengers were also inside the vehicle, which was registered to a woman.
After Officers Shane Gilman and David Johnson arrived on scene to assist, Officer Champagne asked Jakobsen to exit the vehicle and informed him that he would be placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.
Jakobsen was placed in the rear of Officer Gilman’s cruiser and transported to the Clinton Police Department for booking.
Joseph E. Jakobsen, 27, was charged with the following:
- Operating Motor Vehicle with License Suspended
Jakobsen’s bail was set at personal recognizance.
Disclaimer: If you are wondering why the incident in this story took place earlier this month, that’s because I had to file FOIA request(s) to obtain the court documents. FOIAs are time-consuming.
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