Man allegedly threatened his family and police with ax in Carmel

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff

A man allegedly threatened his family and police with an ax in Carmel on Monday.

Eugene Woodard, 44, of Dexter was charged with criminal trespass and refusing to submit to arrest or detention, according to the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.

Woodard allegedly went to a Five Road home about 4:30 p.m. and threatened to force his way into the residence, where his family had locked themselves in, the sheriff’s office said Tuesday night.

Woodard had a criminal trespass notice barring him from the property, according to the sheriff’s office.

When a deputy arrived there, Woodard allegedly armed himself with an ax and knife and refused orders to drop the weapons. Woodard reportedly said that police would have to shoot him to get him to leave “his property” and that he was “ready for a fight,” according to the sheriff’s office.

“In an attempt to gain compliance with the least amount of force necessary, the Sheriff’s Office sent a significant number of resources to the scene to contain Woodard and negotiate with him,” the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies secured the property to prevent Woodard from entering the home or fleeing. A deputy who had a good rapport with Woodard was summoned to negotiate his surrender.

Woodard eventually agreed to drop his weapons and surrender to police. But when deputies tried to put him in a vehicle to take him to the Penobscot County Jail in Bangor, Woodard became combative and resisted, the sheriff’s office said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TTY 1-800-437-1220. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.