Brothers charged in assault on officer

PRESQUE ISLE – Two local brothers, one of whom is believed to have driven a car off the road, were arrested Saturday night for assaulting a police officer and obstructing government administration.

James Parlin, 31, was charged with assaulting Officer John York. Jacob Parlin, 25, was charged with obstructing government administration. Both men were being held in the Aroostook County Jail on Sunday in lieu of $500 cash bail each.

A passer-by called police about 9:20 p.m. Saturday when a car was spotted off New State Street, Sgt. Laurie Kelly of the Presque Isle Police Department said.

When York arrived at the scene, with Presque Isle Officer Brian McQuarrie and Maine State Trooper Chuck Michaud, the Parlin brothers both were sitting in the back seat of the car.

The officers thought the two men were visibly intoxicated, and neither would say who was driving the vehicle. A struggle ensued, and York was assaulted.

Michaud used a chemical can on Jacob Parlin and a “taser” was used to subdue James Parlin.

James Parlin was taken to a hospital for treatment. Both men were charged and taken to the county jail. Kelly said York was not injured in the incident.