Dexter Man Kidnapped His Son, Allegedly Threatened to Kill Him

A Dexter man faces multiple charges, including domestic violence terrorizing, for an incident that allegedly involved breaking into a home and kidnapping his son.

How Did This Incident Begin?

Dexter Police were called at approximately 5:20 Wednesday for an alleged kidnapping on Railroad Avenue. The caller told police that her son-in-law, Travis Lawler, had allegedly broken out a window in her home and entered the residence without permission. She said Lawler had forcibly taken his 4-year-old son from the boy's mother and fled in a car.  A short time later, the woman said, Lawler had returned to the house and tried to take his 2-year-old daughter, as well. When he was unable to get the child, he ran into a wooded area near the house, with his son in tow.

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Where Was the Suspect Taken Into Custody?

As all this was going on, officials say Lawler allegedly threatened to kill his wife, and then his son, if she called the police. When authorities finally caught up to the man, a short time later, he initially refused to submit to arrest or let go of his son. Members of the Dexter Police, with help from the Maine State Police, Maine Forestry, Dexter Fire Department, and the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office were able to convince him to release his son and took him into custody, without either one suffering any harm.

Police say the children's mother had gone to her mother's home to escape alleged abuse from her husband.

Is Lawler Charged with More Than Kidnapping?

Travis Lawler faces multiple charges:

• 2 counts of Kidnapping
• Burglary
• Domestic Violence, Criminal Threatening
• Domestic Violence Terrorizing
• Criminal Trespass
• Criminal Threatening
• Refusing to Submit to Arrest/Detention

The incident remains under investigation.