BRUNSWICK
Police arrested a Brunswick man Sunday who allegedly caused disruptions at two churches and nearly struck an officer and other church-goers with his car.
At 2:22 p.m., Brunswick police were called to St. John the Baptist Church on Pleasant Street by a parishioner who reported a man inside yelling obscenities. Police were met by someone from the church who said the man had been spoken to and the church was giving him time to calm down, according to Sgt. Paul Hansen.
About 20 minutes later, police returned to the church after a request to remove the man, James Dall, 54. Dall had left by the time police arrived, but later returned, at which point he was issued criminal trespass and disorderly conduct warnings. There were several people at the church at the time, including a choir.
At about 5 p.m., Hansen said he saw Dall at the church again, and called for an officer. However, police didn’t find Dall at St. John.
Ten minutes later, police were called to a disturbance at a second church — St. Charles Borromeo Church on McKeen Street.
Dall had allegedly entered that church and caused a scene. He was escorted out and he left before police arrived.
At 5:46 p.m., someone from St. Charles called police again — this time to report that a small red car that matched Dall’s vehicle was being driven recklessly in the church lot, allegedly almost hitting a woman and three children.
Hansen said Officer Charles Tompson responded and was speaking to the complainant when the car returned. As Tompson tried to stop Dall, Dall allegedly drove toward Tompson, forcing Tompson to step out of the way. An older man and woman had to jump out of the path of the car as well, according to police.
Hansen said Sgt. Ed Yurek tried to stop Dall’s car on McKeen Street in his cruiser. Dall didn’t stop but struck a curb by Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, after which Dall allegedly tried to run on foot. Yurek quickly caught up with and arrested Dall.
Dall was charged with operating under the influence, driving to endanger, disorderly conduct and refusing to submit to arrest or detention. He was taken to Cumberland County Jail.
dmoore@timesrecord.com
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less