NEWPORT – Newport Police Chief James Ricker on Monday charged a Hermon man with criminal restraint after a report of a possible abduction and assault Sunday afternoon at Nokomis Regional High School.

Ricker said Michael Hyson, 24, was a judge Sunday during a karate tournament being held at the school. The event was a private affair, not a school sporting event.

Ricker said a 10-year-old girl and several other children believed they were “playing a game” inside the corridors of the school with Hyson when Hyson allegedly grabbed the girl by the arm.

“This ‘game’ turned into something else. There was an intent to separate her from the others,” said Ricker. “She had the savvy to start screaming her head off.”

“She was definitely in fear,” said the chief.

Ricker said Hyson did not appear to have a criminal record.

Statements were obtained from the children involved and Hyson was identified by the alleged victim through digital video recordings that parents had made of the competition.

Ricker said the investigation continues and all reports have been forwarded to the Penobscot County district attorney for possible additional charges.

Meanwhile, Ricker said he and Superintendent William Braun have been working on adopting a stricter security policy when school buildings are used by nonschool entities.