A Clinton man was on the run Thursday after allegedly threatening a family member and her daughter and vowing to “take down” police or anyone else who entered the home where the three live on Morrison Avenue in Clinton.

Kennebec County Sheriff Ryan Reardon said the man, Joseph Gagnon, 31, apparently left the home just before police arrived about 1:30 a.m. He is said to be driving a gray 2014 Ford Focus hatchback with Connecticut license plates.

Reardon said Deputy Mike Sayers got a call from a woman at the Gagnon residence who said they had argued and the situation escalated to the point that Gagnon allegedly made threats against her and her young daughter.

“It was suggested that he may be barricaded in the house,” Reardon said.

Three more Kennebec County sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, along with two police officers from Fairfield and a Clinton police officer. Police took a couple of hours to set up a perimeter around the house, and when they approached, they found that Gagnon was gone and his car was missing.

Police tried to call Gagnon on his cellphone and attempted to text him, but he did not respond.

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Reardon said Gagnon was described by the woman as having been drinking, saying he would “take her down and anyone else who come inside the house.” When asked if he was suicidal, Gagnon reportedly replied that he wanted “to end it.”

Reardon said he didn’t think there was a weapon involved.

Reardon said a warrant was drawn up for Gagnon’s arrest on a charge of domestic violence terrorizing. Gagnon is described as being 6 feet tall, weighing about 170 pounds and having blond hair and blue eyes.

The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone who sees Gagnon or the car call the Augusta Regional Communications Center at 624-7076 and not approach him.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

Twitter:@Doug_Harlow


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