WHITEFIELD, Maine — A Whitefield man was taken into police custody following an eight-hour standoff with police that started Friday evening and went into the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call about an alleged domestic disturbance on Hunts Meadow Road in Whitefield around 5:40 p.m. Friday.
Lt. Brendan Kane said sheriff's deputies learned two men and a woman had fled 64-year-old Edward Poch's home after he reportedly threatened the woman with a knife and pistol, a news release issued by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office stated.
Kane said the two men and the woman were not hurt and were taken to safety.
Sheriff's deputies and troopers then tried to contact Poch at his home but were unable to do so. The Maine State Police Tactical Team and Negotiations Unit arrived later and continued those efforts.
Officials arrested Poch around 1:30 a.m. Saturday using a Maine State Police dog unit, after Poch allegedly resisted being taken into custody. Poch was taken to MaineGeneral Hospital in Augusta, where he was treated for a dog bite injury and released.
Poch was charged with domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and domestic violence assault.
Kane said deputies later searched Poch's home and confiscated several guns.
Poch was being held at Two Bridges Regional Jail and was expected to appear in court this week.