Steele approached the man in an attempt to make contact with him. In doing so, he noticed the man had a handgun in his hand.

Steele backed away and took cover as the male stayed in the waterfront park, by the picnic tables next to Bath Fuel.

Steele radioed what he had observed and Couture responded to assist him.

As back up officers arrived, the male fired his weapon into the ground.

Other officers from numerous agencies also responded to assist. Deputies from the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, officers from Brunswick PD and a Trooper from the Maine State Police responded to help. Bath Fire Department assisted with blocking off roadways as well.

The male paced back and forth near the picnic area in the park. He was not responsive to attempts to communicate with him. During the entire time, he held his handgun at his side, facing the ground. The temperatures were very frigid, approximately 15 degrees with gusting winds.

After approximately an hour of attempts to communicate with him, and securing the perimeter, he finally obeyed commands by Sgt. Couture and put the weapon down and approached the officers with his hands raised.

He was taken into custody and brought to Midcoast Hospital for a mental health evaluation. It is possible criminal charges will be forthcoming after the mental health professionals treat him.

“This was a very tense situation,” Lieutenant Robert Savary said. “Law enforcement officers from three different agencies responded to this incident and worked extremely well together. The cold temperatures and gusty winds made it even more challenging, but in the end we had a peaceful resolution and hopefully this man can get the help he needs.”