Ernesto Nieves

A Casco man who broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home in Naples and assaulted her was arrested Monday night after brandishing a knife at a Cumberland County sheriff’s deputy and challenging the deputy to shoot him, police said.

Deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office were sent to 34 Winslow Road in Naples at 9:20 p.m. Monday for a report of a domestic disturbance. A woman told police that her ex-boyfriend had broken into the home and assaulted her and another person.

The ex-boyfriend fled from the back of the home while units were responding, police said.

The suspect, 38-year-old Ernesto Nieves, was later found intoxicated by a deputy and walking on Lambs Mill Road. Nieves refused to cooperate when he was told he was being arrested, police said.

Police said Nieves brandished a knife and challenged the deputy to shoot him, saying he was “not going down without a fight.”

Before backup units arrived, Nieves ran into the woods, still armed with the knife, police said. A perimeter was set up around the area with help from two Maine State Police troopers.

Deputy Matt Tufts and his police dog, Rocky, tracked Nieves for more than 8 miles in and out of the woods before finding him in the middle of Naples Golf Course on Route 114. Nieves was still uncooperative and resisted arrest, but was ultimately taken into custody, police said.

He was charged with aggravated criminal trespass, domestic violence assault, simple assault and refusing to submit to arrest or detention. He also was placed on a probation hold.

Nieves is being held without bail at the Cumberland County Jail.

Gillian Graham can be contacted at:

ggraham@pressherald.com