Auburn, ME – A 50-year-old man in Maine has been arrested and charged after allegedly kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and forcing her to steal items from a Walmart store, threatening to kill her if she did not comply. Police identified the suspect as Harrison Coleman, who is now facing multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, domestic violence assault, and domestic violence criminal threatening.
The Incident: Ex-Girlfriend Abducted and Taken to Walmart
According to the Auburn Police Department, the alarming sequence of events began on Wednesday, October 29, when Coleman allegedly forced his ex-girlfriend into his vehicle and drove her to a Walmart Supercenter located about 30 miles north of Portland.
Police said that while inside the store, the woman appeared visibly distressed and confided in employees that she was in danger. She claimed that Coleman had abducted her and was threatening to kill her if she didn’t steal specific items for him.
“The shopper was inside the store claiming she had been threatened,” a Walmart employee told an officer on site, according to the police report.
The woman immediately approached a store employee for help, leading to a swift police response from an officer assigned to Walmart’s security detail.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Police said the officer quickly located the victim inside the store, where she reported that Coleman had physically assaulted her, forced her into his vehicle, and transported her to Walmart against her will.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that Coleman had physically assaulted the victim, forced her into his vehicle, and driven her to Walmart,” the Auburn Police Department stated.
Once at the store, Coleman allegedly instructed her to steal specific items and threatened that he would kill her if she refused. Witnesses inside Walmart corroborated the woman’s story, telling police they observed her visibly shaken and overheard her pleading for help.
Responding officers found Coleman waiting in a vehicle parked outside the Walmart. He was taken into custody without incident, police confirmed.
Arrest and Charges
Following the investigation, Coleman was arrested and booked into the Androscoggin County Jail. He faces three serious charges:
- Kidnapping
- Domestic Violence Assault
- Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening
Authorities said Coleman is currently being held without bond, and it was not immediately clear when his initial court appearance would take place.
Deputy Chief of Police Tim Cougle praised the quick actions of Walmart employees and the rapid response by the on-duty officer stationed in the parking lot.
“The quick actions of Walmart employees and the close proximity of the initial responding officer ensured this victim’s safety and led to the swift arrest of the suspect,” Cougle said in a statement.
Statements and Community Response
The Auburn Police Department commended the Walmart employees for acting promptly, emphasizing how their intervention likely saved the victim’s life. Authorities said the incident demonstrates the importance of public awareness and swift reporting in potential domestic violence situations.
Local residents expressed shock at the nature of the case, calling it a disturbing example of domestic abuse and coercion. Police confirmed that the victim was not physically hospitalized, but she was provided with medical and trauma support services immediately after the rescue.
Domestic violence advocates in Maine have reiterated that such cases often stem from ongoing abuse patterns, urging victims to reach out for help early.
Background Context: Domestic Violence and Coercion Crimes in Maine
Under Maine state law, kidnapping carries a Class A felony classification, punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Meanwhile, domestic violence assault and criminal threatening are treated as serious felonies when involving a prior relationship between the perpetrator and victim.
Legal experts note that coercive crimes, where victims are forced to commit illegal acts under threat, often result in additional charges of extortion or unlawful imprisonment.
Maine has reported a rise in domestic-related offenses since 2022, prompting law enforcement agencies to expand training for officers to better identify and respond to coercive control incidents.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Police said the case remains under investigation as detectives review surveillance footage and witness statements from Walmart staff. The Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review evidence and pursue formal charges in the coming days.
Authorities have not released additional information on what items Coleman allegedly ordered his victim to steal.
As of Thursday, Coleman remains detained pending arraignment. Investigators have urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the Auburn Police Department.
Conclusion
The swift response by Walmart staff and law enforcement likely prevented a potentially fatal outcome. As Coleman awaits trial, the case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, coercion, and control, and underscores the vital role of community vigilance in saving lives.
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