Lebanon motorcyclist arrested for DUI after fracas on Spaulding Connector

Zane L. Pelletier (Rochester Police photo)

EAST ROCHESTER - A gun-toting Lebanon, Maine, man was arrested on Wednesday after police say he got into an altercation with bystanders who tried to prevent him getting back on his motorcycle after it appeared he had dumped it on the Spaulding Turnpike connector.

Police responded to the Spaulding Turnpike Connector in East Rochester around 5:40 p.m. for a report of a potential drunken motorcyclist, Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said today.

"Officers were informed that the driver of the motorcycle was trying to get back on it to drive away, and that the driver of the motorcycle was becoming combative with the caller and other bystanders at the scene, reportedly swinging, kicking and punching," Pinkham said. "It was also mentioned that the driver had a gun and knife on his hip, so a bystander took the gun and threw it on the ground before helping to hold the driver down until Police arrived on scene."

Upon arrival, police located the two weapons, however, Pinkham said police saw no evidence of Pelletier threatening anyone with them, only that his possession of them and his behavior had made bystanders feel unsafe.

Arrested on scene was Zane L. Pelletier, 26, of Lower Guinea Road. He was charged with DUI, impairment; simple assault and open container.

No one was injured in the incident.