The Rumford Police Department released more information late on Monday regarding two arrests made earlier this month after a high-stakes police chase in which a group of heavily armed suspects allegedly opened fire on police after a traffic stop.
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On August 15, a group of suspects reportedly opened fire on police with “AR-15 style” rifles while trying to escape, prompting a shelter-in-place order for the town and surrounding area. At the time, police announced that two suspects had been arrested and that three suspects, described as armed Hispanic males, remained at large.
Police did not initially release the names of the two arrested suspects, but they have now announced the arrests of Joseph Allen Denbow Jr., 33, of Norway, and Troy Scott Murch Jr., 38, also of Norway.
Denbrow was initially charged with eluding an officer, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, and violation of bail.
Murch was charged with eluding an officer and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Oxford County Jail in South Paris, and more charges may follow. Denbrow has been denied bail, and Murch’s bail has been set at $10,000.
The other three suspects mentioned in the initial press release remain at large, but the investigation is continuing with help from the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and other law enforcement agencies.
Rumford police assured the public that the investigation is making progress in identifying the suspects who fled.
“The community can be assured that we are making meaningful progress in this investigation, due in large part to the strong support of our state and federal partners. To ensure those involved are held accountable in a court of law, the team of investigators are proceeding diligently and thoroughly to build a comprehensive, evidence-based case and ensure justice is served,” said police.
Police believe that the at-large suspects are no longer in the Rumford area.
