DEXTER, Maine — A Dexter man is facing a pair of charges after allegedly headbutting his girlfriend during a domestic dispute and assaulting a police officer, the town’s police chief said.
The sequence of events leading to the arrest of Ryan Girard, 22, began shortly after 4:30 a.m. Sunday when police were called to a Lakeview Avenue home for a reported domestic dispute, Dexter Police Chief Kevin Wintle said.
Officer Dana Gatcomb went to the home and learned Girard had headbutted the woman in the face, giving her a bloody nose, according to Wintle. The woman did not require a trip to the hospital.
Once Gatcomb got Girard in handcuffs, the suspect grew extremely agitated, attempting to smash out a cruiser window once he was inside the patrol car, Wintle said.
Once Gatcomb got Girard to the town’s police station, Girard remained out of control, and he kicked the officer hard in the right arm, leaving “quite a mark on him,” Wintle said.
The officer did not require medical attention.
Girard was charged with domestic violence assault and assault on a police officer, the latter of which is a Class C felony, and taken to Penobscot County Jail.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.
