Subject of Anson Standoff Broke His Ankle in Jump from a Window

An Anson man is facing multiple charges after allegedly firing a gun multiple times during a standoff with Sheriff's Deputies.

Who Was Arrested?

Paul Caplin, 44, of Anson was taken into custody Monday afternoon after a standoff that lasted about two hours. He's charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and creating a police standoff.

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What Prompted the Standoff?

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office was first alerted to an issue at the 6 Union Street home just after 1:00 Monday afternoon when they received reports of a man who had allegedly fired a gun inside the residence and then jumped out a second-story window in his underwear. Deputies went to the address for a welfare check, but took cover when Caplin allegedly began firing the weapon again. According to the Morning Sentinel, he was firing 'indiscriminately' and at Deputies, so they called for backup. They were joined by members of the Maine State Police, Skowhegan and Fairfield Police Departments, and the Maine Warden Service.

Several roads in the area were closed to traffic. In addition, law enforcement officers advised local residents to stay low or go into their basements to avoid any stray bullets. Caplin allegedly told police that there were a lot of people in the house, but that turned out to be false, as he was alone in the residence.

Did Caplin Get Hurt in the Jump from the 2nd Story Window?

It took about two hours to convince Caplin to give himself up. During that time, officials say he allegedly fired at least 10 rounds. When he finally exited the building, he was taken into custody. Officials determined that the suspect had injured his ankle when he jumped from the window and so he was taken to Redington-Fairview Hospital in Skowhegan where it was confirmed that he had broken it. After receiving treatment, he was taken to the county jail.

Officials say he was coherent when speaking to police but a family member told them he may have been taking medications for which he was not prescribed. Police seized several weapons from the residence, including several rifles, shotguns, handguns, and crossbows.