Man Charged with Pepper Spraying Four People in Maine

A 41-year-old man was charged with pepper spraying four people Sunday night in Rumford.

Facing Multiple Charges

Donald “Harley” Wilson was charged with four counts of Criminal Use of Disabling Chemicals, four counts of Assault and one count of Disorderly Conduct.

Man was Looking for Someone at Apartment Building

The Rumford Police Department said Wilson went looking for someone at an apartment at 419 Cumberland Street around 7:37 pm.

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Discharged Pepper Spray Inside Residence

“When he was unable to locate that person or obtain information regarding their whereabouts, Wilson became angry and discharged pepper spray inside the residence,” according to Rumford PD.

Woman and Three Children Affected by Chemicals

Two families were affected by the chemicals including a 35-year-old woman and three children ages 9, 13 and 16-years-old. An infant was also evaluated at the scene as a precaution.

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Four People Transported to the Hospital

All four were taken to the Rumford Hospital for treatment from the exposure to the pepper spray.

Suspect Fled on Foot and was Taken into Custody Later

Wilson fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. He was apprehended without incident shortly after and transported to the Oxford County Jail. He was released on bail.

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Alcohol Believed to be a Factor

“Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in this incident,” said the Rumford Police Department.