Bangor Man Tries to Steal SUV, Allegedly Hits Driver With a Bible

A Bangor man is facing charges after allegedly trying to steal an SUV on West Broadway, and beating the driver with a Bible.

Bangor Police report the incident happened just before 10:00 Sunday morning. The victim told authorities that he and  his family had pulled over on West Broadway and were outside the vehicle, taking a few pictures. As they stood there, a man, later identified as 27-year-old Benjamin Parker of Bangor, allegedly walked up and got into the driver's seat of the victim's SUV.

The victim noticed the man, ran back to his vehicle, and tried to stop Parker from driving off. The two men struggled and Parker allegedly began striking the victim with a copy of the Bible. The victim was able to get Parker out of the vehicle, however, and the suspect ran off. Police were called and they began a search for Parker, finally locating him behind a house on Cedar Street. Officers also recovered a copy of the Bible, while searching for Parker.

Police say Benjamin Parker is currently on probation for felony criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon. He was arrested and taken to Penobscot County Jail, charged with assault and robbery, where he's being held on $900.00 cash bail and on a probation violation.