Landlord Allegedly Broke into Apartment, Hit Cop in the Chest

An East Millinocket landlord is facing multiple charges after allegedly breaking into a tenant's apartment, and then striking a police officer.

One of the tenants of a Park Street residence called East Millinocket Police just after 3:00 on Sunday afternoon. They told officials that their landlord, 71-year-old Hollis Hafford of East Millinocket, had broken into their basement and was trying to screw the door shut. Police have not indicated what Hafford's motive may have been.

When officers arrived, Hafford was still at the scene, and argued with police as they tried to get him to leave the premises. Police say the landlord screamed and cursed at the officers when they tried to subdue him, and that's when he allegedly struck one of the officers in the chest. As the scuffle continued, he allegedly punched the same officer a second time, this time in the face. Eventually, the officers were able to get Hafford under control and they took him into custody.

Hafford was transported to the Penobscot County Jail, where he was charged with assault on a police officer and stalking. Officials say additional charges of refusing to submit to arrest and obstructing government administration are also expected to be added at a later time.

Police say the officer sustained minor injuries.