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Alleged assault suspect pulled from Back Cove, later dies at Maine Medical Center

Portland PD officials say the man ran from the scene of an alleged assault, jumped into Back Cove and later died.

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Police officials say a 25-year-old man is dead after he ran from the scene of an alleged assault, Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, police identified the man as Eric Cohen of Portland.

Police say they saw Cohen run across I-295 and on to the Back Cove Trail as they arrived. Officials say they then saw him jump into the water at Back Cove. 

A Portland fireboat crew pulled the man out of the water approximately 25 minutes later and treated him on the boat. The man was taken to Maine Med, where he succumbed to injuries suffered during the chase. 

Police say the alleged victim, Cohen's 25-year-old girlfriend, was taken to Maine Med with non-life threatening injuries.

Police said they have learned Cohen was suffering from some type of mental health crisis and became seriously distressed as he and his girlfriend were walking on Marginal Way. He began stripping off his clothes and without explanation assaulted her rendering her unconscious. A witness to the incident tried to assist and he was also assaulted before Cohen fled across I-295 and made his way into the water.

The passer-by who attempted to help the woman during the alleged assault was himself allegedly assaulted. That person's injuries did not require hospitalization. 

The Medical Examiner should release the cause of death sometime Monday. 

Police are asking anyone with information about the alleged assault to contact them at (207) 874-8575.

If you or someone you know needs protection from abuse, there are resources available:

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