MADISON — Police waited close to two hours Saturday night in a standoff with a man who refused to leave his downtown home after he allegedly assaulted his wife.
The man, Rodney C. Thibodeau, 53, was eventually persuaded outside by his mother, according to police. He faces one charge of domestic violence assault.
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Thibodeau allegedly had guns inside his home on Weston Avenue and threatened to kill himself, so police proceeded cautiously, said Madison police Sgt. David Trask.
Officers blocked off all traffic at the home at the intersection of Middle Street, across from the school district’s central office, and tried to urge Thibodeau outside, Trask said. But he did not respond to phone calls or answer requests made through a bullhorn.
So the Madison Police Department, Maine State Police and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office waited behind their cruisers with their weapons ready, Trask said.
Thibodeau occasionally looked out a window and appeared to be mouthing something to officers, but no one could hear him.
It wasn’t until Thibodeau’s mother arrived and persuaded him outside that he was arrested by Madison Officer Ian Shalit.
“They patiently waited it out, and everything turned out OK,” Trask said.
Thibodeau’s wife called 911 at 6:04 p.m. to report he had pushed her against a wall during an argument, Trask said. Thibodeau then told her “he was going to blow his head off,” Trask said. The victim did not require medical attention.
Because Thibodeau owned weapons, was upset and wouldn’t come to the door, police requested backup.
“They were taking precautions, not knowing what his intentions were,” Trask said.
Officers cleared the scene around 8:30 p.m., and Thibodeau was taken to Somerset County Jail in East Madison.
He posted a $1,500 cash bail at 2:39 a.m. on Sunday.
Erin Rhoda — 612-2368
erhoda@centralmaine.com
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