RUMFORD — A tense standoff at a local Dunkin Donuts ended peacefully Thursday when police arrested a 33-year-old woman who had threatened employees with a gun the previous evening.
Rumford Police Officers Kier Simmons and Corporal Brad Gallant were called to the scene at 158 Congress Street after receiving a 911 call around 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The caller reported a female brandishing a semi-automatic pistol at a drive-thru window after being denied entry to use the store’s telephone.
Using a description and a photo taken by an employee’s cellphone, officers from Rumford Police, Mexico Police, and the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive search.
Despite efforts from K9 “Niko,” the trail went cold, leading police to believe the suspect had fled by car.
Security footage from nearby cameras provided additional images of the suspect, which were circulated among the officers.
Off-duty Mexico Police Officer Lt. Derek MacDonad identified the woman as Rebecca Sims of 103 Granite Street in Mexico.
Surveillance was set up at Sims’ residence overnight while officers obtained a search and arrest warrant.
The Maine State Police Tactical Team was called in to assist due to the potential danger posed by the armed suspect.
Sims was apprehended without incident before noon on Thursday.
A search of her home yielded four firearms, including the presumed weapon used in the incident, along with other weapons and ammunition.
Sims faces charges of Felony Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon and Threatening Display of a Weapon.
She was held on $1,000.00 cash bail and transported to the Oxford County Jail, later moving to the York County Jail.
Police Chief Tony Milligan commended the collaborative efforts leading to the swift arrest, emphasizing the importance of community-police partnerships in maintaining public safety.
