BATH, Maine — A 41-year-old Bath man was taken to Mid Coast Hospital for evaluation early Monday afternoon after allegedly firing a gun into the ground near Waterfront Park.
Acting on a report from a resident that her tenant might be suicidal and on foot in downtown Bath, Officer Mark Steele located the man in Waterfront Park just off Commercial Street, according to a release from Bath Police Lt. Robert Savary.
Steele approached the man near the picnic tables next to Bath Fuel, but backed away and took cover when he noticed the man was allegedly holding a handgun.
Bath police Sgt. Dan Couture, along with a Brunswick police officer, Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a Maine State Police trooper arrived as backup. As they did, the man allegedly fired his gun into the ground.
The Bath Fire Department blocked Commercial Street, and police officers asked Brackett’s Market to close for a short time, Savary said.
The man allegedly paced back and forth in the park, holding the gun at his side, and did not respond to attempts to communicate with him.
After about an hour, the man, obeying commands from Couture, put down the weapon and approached the officers with his hands raised, according to police.
Officers took him to Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick for a mental health evaluation. Criminal charges are possible.
“This was a very tense situation,” Savary said, noting that multiple law enforcement agencies “worked extremely well together in cold temperatures and gusting winds.”
“In the end, we had a peaceful resolution and hopefully this man can get the help he needs,” Savary said.