NEWPORT, Maine — A local man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly attacking a woman, according to Newport police.
The series of events leading to the arrest of Michael Chapman, 40, began shortly after midnight when a child inside a residence called 911, according to Newport Police Chief Leonard Macdaid.
Chapman made headlines earlier this spring when he was lost in the Piscataquis County wilderness for 24 hours and subsequently arrested on a warrant for unpaid fines.
A neighbor had heard screaming inside the residence early Saturday and notified police, according to Macdaid. Chapman was not at the residence when officers arrived, but police were able to stop a vehicle he was driving that was fleeing from the residence, the chief said.
Macdaid said Chapman, who was intoxicated, allegedly assaulted the woman by putting her in a headlock, biting her on the upper chest area and finger, knocking her down and dragging her across the ground.
In addition, Chapman also allegedly assaulted a man at the residence by grabbing his neck before breaking a car window with a wooden stool, Macdaid said.
As he was treated by ambulance personnel, Macdaid said, Chapman allegedly made verbal threats to police and medics and “kept clenching his fist in a hostile manner.”
Chapman then took off on foot but was quickly caught by officers after falling on a rock and injuring his head, Macdaid said.
Macdaid said Newport officers spent the night with Chapman as he was treated at an undisclosed hospital due to his violent behavior, and was later taken to Penobscot County Jail and charged with domestic violence assault, OUI, violating bail and false attachment of plates.
Chapman has a criminal history that includes involvement in a smash-and-grab burglary at a Corinth store in 2012, according to Bangor Daily News archives.
In April 2013, Chapman was convicted by a jury of arson, burglary, aggravated criminal mischief and theft and sentenced to 3 ½ in prison with all but two years suspended.
Chapman, who was released in June 2014, was also ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution for the break-in.
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.
