PARSONSFIELD — A series of church robberies in southern Maine ended Sunday with the arrest of a man who had threatened a woman, brandished a gun and led police on a high-speed chase, authorities said.
The Maine State Police (MSP) said the drama began at 10:07 a.m. when a woman called 911 from a church parking lot at 213 Federal Road in Parsonsfield, reporting a man who threatened to kill her and referenced having a firearm, though he did not display it.
The man, later identified as Connor McGlone, 27, of Auburn, fled the scene in a 2011 Silver Subaru, nearly hitting a pedestrian as he sped east toward Cornish.
By 10:30 a.m., a citizen flagged down MSP Sgt. Daniel Hanson on Route 25 in Cornish, reporting that McGlone had pulled a gun on him in the parking lot of a church at 37 Main Street and demanded his wallet.
At 11:19 a.m., McGlone reportedly entered a church at 1006 Pequawket Trail in Baldwin, took money from the offering plate, and stole a woman’s purse.
He again fled without showing the firearm.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies found McGlone’s vehicle near Bliss Road in Baldwin at about 11:45 a.m., initiating a pursuit that continued along Route 107 and back north after a turnaround.
During the chase, McGlone was observed waving a firearm inside his vehicle and swerving at other vehicles, though no collisions or injuries were reported.
The pursuit culminated near Bridgton Hospital, where Sgt.
Hanson executed a PIT maneuver, causing McGlone’s vehicle to leave the road and come to a stop in a field.
McGlone attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended and taken to Bridgton Hospital for evaluation.
McGlone, formerly of New Hampshire, had three active warrants for his arrest from two counties for robbery, probation revocation from a prior robbery charge, and felony theft.
He has now been charged with two counts of robbery, with additional charges expected as the investigation progresses.
MSP is encouraging anyone who had close contact with McGlone’s vehicle during the incidents to contact Sgt. Hanson at 207-624-7076.
The Bridgton Police Department also assisted in the pursuit and apprehension.
McGlone will be transported to York County Jail following his hospital release.
