BREWER, Maine — Brewer police rushed to the Penobscot River Bridge Tuesday after a caller reported one man holding another at gunpoint. It turned out to be a plainclothes police officer intervening in a domestic assault, according to police.
The incident started on the Brewer side of the bridge, with callers reporting an argument between a man and a woman. Several minutes later, it got physical, according to Brewer Deputy Chief Jason Moffitt.
About 12:50 p.m., a police officer dressed in plain clothes, Brewer police Lt. Chris Martin, witnessed the altercation, which had moved onto the bridge, and intervened, according to Moffitt.
Edward Lufkin, a 20-year-old transient, resisted the officer and then attempted to run back toward Brewer, jumping down a rock wall in an attempt to get away, the deputy chief said. At some point during the altercation or pursuit, the officer drew his service weapon but never fired, according to Moffitt. He could not immediately say when the weapon was drawn.
Several more officers went to the scene when a passer-by who saw the officer and suspect called in to report that one man had drawn a gun on another on the bridge. Several police vehicles blocked off a small park with a covered picnic table next to the bridge while the suspect, witnesses and the victim were interviewed.
The victim was visibly upset and shouted to the officer interviewing her on a park bench that she did not want to press charges and did not want any “domestic help.”
Brewer police arrested Lufkin and charged him with domestic violence assault, according to Moffitt.
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.