By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
CROUSEVILLE, Maine — A local woman is facing charges following an armed standoff with police Tuesday morning.
Chief Roy Guidry Jr. of the Washburn Police Department — which has jurisdiction over the village of Crouseville — responded to a call overnight at 24 Flewelling Drive — a private residence — that turned into a standoff between police and a 44-year-old woman, whose name is not being released, pending charges.
Guidry said the woman did have a weapon but could not specify the type until charges were brought.
“The incident began around 1:30 a.m. April 2. It was a domestic issue that resulted in a potential safety hazard,” said Guidry, who did not release the name of the victim.
Realizing the situation was a potential danger to neighboring residents, Guidry called for backup.
“I called in the Maine State Police Tactical Team. They came in and secured the area and perimeter of the home. The Maine State Police Crisis Negotiation Unit also responded,” he said.
Hours passed as police worked to negotiate a peaceful ending to the situation.
“We closed a section of Route 164 (Washburn Road) to through traffic, as a safety precaution. The Washburn Fire Department secured the roads, routing motorists around Parsons Road from the Washburn end, along the Cross Road in Crouseville and via the Chandler Road in Presque Isle,” said the chief.
“Neighbors were evacuated by the Tactical Team for their safety,” said Guidry.
Guidry said he also received assistance at the scene from officers with the WPD, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, as well as a K-9 unit and several troopers from the Maine State Police. Crown Ambulance also stood by.
Because of the road closure, some students were unable to get to school, which led several parents to contact the school superintendent, Ed Buckley, concerned about children’s safety. As a precaution, SAD 45 schools were placed under lockdown for several hours.
“Just to make parents feel safe, the decision was made to put both schools under lockdown. Although this didn’t involve the school, it was done to reassure parents the children were safe,” said Buckley.
“Buses couldn’t pick up kids because some of the roads were closed and we had parents calling wanting to know what was going on,” said Buckley. “You never know, so it’s better to take precautions.”
Buckley said the schools were secured from 8 a.m. until police notified them that all was safe around 11 a.m.
After several hours of talking with the woman, police were able to end the standoff without incident.
“The matter was resolved at 10:30 a.m., when the subject surrendered to police,” said Guidry.
The woman was transported to The Aroostook Medical Center for what Guidry described as “self-inflicted injuries” and is facing several charges.
“She will be charged with domestic violence assault — aggravated, as well as domestic violence terrorizing and creating a police standoff,” said Guidry. He said the woman’s name is not being released at this time, due to circumstances beyond his control.
“She’s facing felony charges, which means she can’t make bail and is required to go before a judge. Unfortunately she’s in the hospital at this time and may be transferred downstate. Until she’s released from medical care and able to appear in court, I won’t be able to charge her,” said Guidry.
Guidry said the woman was still at the hospital at presstime. No other injuries were reported.
No court date has been set.
