PHIPPSBURG

A Phippsburg man allegedly threatened to kill two family members who escaped the home to report the incident, resulting in a standoff with police for several hours.

Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Office was called to 34 Rock Ledge Drive shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday for a man who threatened to kill his sister and mother with a handgun, according to a press release issued by Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry. Both women were able to flee the residence.

Deputies from the sheriff ’s office and officers with Bath Police Department responded to the scene and secured the residence.

The ensuing standoff lasted more than seven hours.

The deputies were able to make contact with Foster, who was reportedly alone in the residence. A negotiator for Bath Police spoke with him over the phone for approximately five hours before he surrendered and was taken into custody shortly after 1 a.m. Monday morning.

Ruben Foster, 54, was charged with two felony counts of criminal threatening with a firearm, and additional charges are likely. He was taken to Mid Coast Hospital for an evaluation and is being held at Two Bridges Regional Jail.

He will be arraigned on Wednesday.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this incident in that no one was hurt,” said Merry. “These situations are very tense and getting a peaceful resolution is always the goal. The effort of the negotiator was tremendous.”

The Maine Department of Marine Patrol and Phippsburg Fire Department also assisted the sheriff ’s department.