Maine news, sports, weather from Waterville Morning Sentinel

Winslow man arrested for domestic-violence assault

By Scott Monroe smonroe@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

WINSLOW -- A local man was arrested early Sunday morning after he allegedly cut a woman with a knife and tried to run away from police after he was handcuffed.

Joshua R. Johnston, 25, of 40 Cushman Road, was charged with domestic-violence assault, aggravated criminal trespassing, criminal mischief and escape.

Johnston's bail was set at $5,500 and he was being held at the Kennebec County Jail in Augusta as of late Sunday afternoon.

Winslow police responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment on Marcoux Street shortly after 3 a.m.

The caller, a 26-year-old woman, said she had gotten into an argument with her boyfriend, Johnston, and he refused to leave her apartment, according to Lt. Michael Tuminaro. During the argument, Johnston allegedly used a knife against the woman and cut her lip, Tuminaro said. He described her injury was minor.

Officers Ben Loubier and Haley Fleming found Johnston hiding in the bathtub and arrested him, Tuminaro said. Johnston was uncooperative while in custody and had to be subdued with pepper spray.

When the officers arrived at the police station, Johnston tried to get away, Tuminaro said.

"They opened the door and he just pulled very forcefully away from officer Loubier and pulled free and starting running down the road with the handcuffs behind his back," Tuminaro said. "They did have to pursue him because he did not obey commands to stop running."

Tuminaro said the officers cornered Johnston and officer Fleming apprehended him again with the threat of stunning him with a Taser. Both officers escorted him back to the station this time and he was booked at the police station about 3:50 a.m., Tuminaro said.

Johnston has had previous run-ins with police involving domestic disturbance calls, Tuminaro said.

According to published reports, Johnston was convicted in 2007 on charges of theft, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and received fines.

Scott Monroe -- 861-9253

smonroe@centralmaine.com