March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Ellsworth man charged in attack on wife

ELLSWORTH — An Ellsworth man who allegedly beat and attempted to rape his estranged wife was arrested Saturday after the Maine State Police Tactical Team used tear gas to force him from her Winkumpaugh Road residence.

The woman had escaped from the house and called police from a neighbor’s home, according to Ellsworth Police Chief John DeLeo.

DeLeo said 30-year-old Stephen Cook was arrested on charges of assault and attempted gross sexual assault. As of Sunday afternoon, Cook remained in the Hancock County jail. Bail was set at $10,000 with one surety or 10 percent cash. He is expected to make an initial court appearance in Hancock County District Court today.

Cook was arrested shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday. Ellsworth police officers and the Maine State Police blocked off a section of Winkumpaugh Road for almost three hours after his wife called police just before 5 a.m.

DeLeo, who declined to give the name of Cook’s wife, said the couple is separated and in the midst of a divorce.

Cook’s wife told police her husband called her Friday evening and said he wanted to come to Ellsworth and talk to her. She told him not to come, DeLeo said.

The woman went to bed, but awakened during the night after hearing Cook outside the house. By the time she arose, Cook was in the house, apparently having gained entry through a window, DeLeo said.

The woman told police her husband threw her around, attempted to rape her, and then threatened to commit suicide in front of her, the police chief said.

The woman managed to escape and run to a neighbor’s house. Her husband chased her, but went back to his wife’s home after she gained entry to the neighbor’s, DeLeo said. The chief said police officers called the house, but Cook had pulled the phone out of the wall.

Knowing there was a .30-30 rifle in the house and unable to contact Cook, Ellsworth police called the Maine State Police Tactical Team, DeLeo said. They arrived at approximately 5:30 a.m. and attempted to talk to Cook over an amplified speaker. Cook did not respond, DeLeo said.

After waiting for a period of time, the team shot tear gas canisters into the house. Cook then walked from the home, the chief said.

DeLeo said Cook’s wife was not taken to the hospital. Cook refused to give police an address other than his wife’s Winkumpaugh Road home, DeLeo said. There is no record of a protection from abuse order on Cook, the chief said.

Ellsworth officers Jason Clark and Dottie Small responded to the call along with DeLeo.


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