RUMFORD, Maine — A Maine man is facing multiple charges after police said he pepper sprayed a woman and three children inside a Rumford apartment while he was intoxicated.
Donald “Harley” Wilson, 41, of Rumford, was arrested Sunday night following the incident at 419 Cumberland St.
The Rumford Police Department said that shortly after 7:35 p.m., officers, firefighters and MedCare ambulance personnel were dispatched to the Cumberland Street apartment after the Oxford County Regional Communications Center reported callers screaming and having difficulty breathing. While emergency responders were en route, dispatch advised that a man had reportedly pepper sprayed several people inside the apartment.
Multiple witnesses told police that Wilson had gone to the apartment looking for another individual. When he was unable to locate that person or learn where they were, witnesses said Wilson became angry and discharged pepper spray inside the residence.
Police said the spray affected two families, including a 35-year-old woman and three children ages 9, 13 and 16. All four were transported to Rumford Hospital for evaluation, decontamination and treatment related to exposure to a chemical agent.
An infant from a neighboring apartment was evaluated at the scene by emergency medical personnel as a precaution, according to police.
Police said Wilson fled the scene before officers arrived but was located a short time later walking on Lincoln Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident.
Wilson has been charged with four counts of criminal use of disabling chemicals, four counts of assault and one count of disorderly conduct. He was later released on bail, police said.
Police said alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the incident.
