A Florida man faces assault and criminal trespass charges after allegedly refusing to leave an Edgecomb home and assaulting the homeowner on Wednesday, July 16.
Jack Cantwell, 74, of West Palm Beach, arrived at the Atlantic Highway residence around 9 a.m., Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Rand Maker said. Cantwell is or was a friend or family member of one of the residents, Maker said.
Cantwell was told to leave, but would not go. Cantwell displayed a weapon similar to a “billy club,” although he did not use it, Maker said.
“There was a physical interaction between the resident and him and we arrested him for criminal trespass and assault,” Maker said.
A person on someone else’s private property “has no right to use any type of force, whereas a homeowner in Maine can use a reasonable amount of force to repel a criminal trespass,” Maker said.
Deputy Ken Hatch was the investigating officer.
