VIENNA — A Vienna man who police say tried to escape from the back of a Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office cruiser Thursday by bringing his handcuffed hands to his front and smashing out a window in the vehicle is being held without bail at the Kennebec County jail.
Robert J. Locke Photo courtesy of the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office
Robert J. Locke, 37, had been taken into custody by Deputy Brandon Van Wyk, following complaints from Locke’s neighbors that he was shooting a gun near their home, and honking his horn and yelling at them, according to a release from the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office.
Van Wyk, who responded to Ithiel Gordon Road shortly after 2 p.m. on a report of harassment, contacted Locke, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, the news release said.
In January, Van Wyk had served Locke with a protection of harassment order prohibiting him from having contact with his neighbors or harassing them.
After interviewing the neighbors, Van Wyk arrested Locke and placed him in the back of the cruiser. Locke, the release states, brought his hands to his front and broke out the cruiser’s window. Deputies removed Locke from the cruiser and secured the handcuffs after a brief struggle. During the struggle, police say, Locke kicked Warden Ethan Buuck, who had also responded.
Van Wyk, the release said, found bullet holes in Locke’s house, as well as spent cartridges and several firearms inside.
A search warrant was executed, during which police say they found and seized several firearms.
Locke was charged with discharging a firearm near a dwelling, assault, violation of a protection order, and three more serious Class C charges: criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, aggravated criminal mischief, and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, which are each punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
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