Dangerous Situation In Milford with an Armed Man, Kids, and Bombs

An alleged domestic situation in Milford ended in the arrest of one man, and the rescuing of three kids locked in a home that also contained explosives.

When Police Responded to a Report of An Assault, They Found a Man With a Knife

William Abernathy, 46, of Milford is facing multiple charges after an incident at a home on Call Road.

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It was just before 1:00 Monday morning when a male victim approached Old Town Police Officers and told them Abernathy had assaulted his girlfriend and declared that he was going to blow up their house. Officers then located the female assault victim who also confirmed the same information.

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While the Penobscot County Sheriff's Deputies responded, Old Town Police Officers headed to the Call Road home, knowing children were at the residence. When they arrived, the officers found Abernathy outside the house holding a large knife in a sheath. He told the officers he also had several other weapons on his person, which he dropped on the ground.

Officers Found Children Locked In a Room and Explosive Devices

Old Town Officers headed into the house to find the children while the Penobscot County Sheriff's Deputies and Maine State Police Troopers dealt with Abernathy. When they first walked in, police confirmed the presence of gas within the residence. The officers could hear voices asking for help from an upstairs bedroom that they quickly determined was locked from the outside, trapping the occupants. After two attempts, officers broke the bedroom door and successfully evacuated three children that were inside the room. Once they were safe, they returned to the house and found another subject who needed assistance.

The Milford and Old Town Fire Departments, including Orono's Hazardous Material Team, were called to the scene to find the source of the gas smell. When it was determined there were possibly multiple explosive devices located in the home, members of the Old Town and Orono Fire Departments, including the Orono Hazardous Material Team, were called to the scene.

Abernathy Faces Many Charges

Abernathy faces multiple charges:

• Domestic violence terrorizing with a dangerous weapon
• Domestic violence criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon
• Domestic violence assault
• Domestic violence terrorizing
• Criminal restraint
• 3 Counts of endangering the welfare of a child

He was transported to the Penobscot County Jail.