A Mexico man with an extensive criminal history in Maine described by police as a “known menace” has been arrested in connection to a robbery that occurred last week at Tractor Supply in Rumford.
The robbery in question occurred on Friday, May 23. Rumford Police officers were called to Tractor Supply and learned that a male suspect had stolen a Husqvarna chainsaw, and when confronted had threatened to spray store employees with a chemical agent.
Police say a “good Samaritan” intervened during the incident to assist the store employees, resulting in the suspect fleeing from the store on foot. No one was injured during the robbery.
The suspect was identified by police as 35-year-old Bryan Festus Wood of Mexico, Maine. Police say witnesses were able to positively identify Wood as the person responsible for the robbery.
On Wednesday, May 27, Rumford Police officers found Wood walking along Route 2 on Falls Hill in Rumford, and took him into custody without incident.
Wood has been charged with Class B felony robbery, and was taken to the Oxford County Jail.
According to Rumford Police, Wood is well known to police throughout Maine and has an extensive criminal history in the state, including prior convictions for theft, violating conditions of release and other offenses.
Police described Wood in their Wednesday press release as a “known menace with a demonstrated disregard for the safety of others.”
“Our community is safer with this individual off the streets,” said Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan. “We remain committed to holding violent offenders accountable and protecting the people of Rumford.”
