WATERVILLE — A Winslow man was arrested after allegedly challenging an off-duty police officer to a fight on Tuesday.

Winslow officer Haley Fleming was shopping at Walmart Supercenter with his wife and young child about 12:30 p.m. when he was approached by Kyle Grimes, 23, according to Deputy Chief Charles Rumsey of the Waterville Police Department.

“(Grimes) apparently had prior dealings with Mr. Fleming and had some bad feelings about it,” Rumsey said. “(Grimes) challenged him to fight.”

Rumsey said Grimes’ body posturing and choice of words caused Fleming to feel threatened. Fleming called police and Grimes, of 144 Western Ave., Winslow, was arrested in the store after police interviewed both of them.

Rumsey said he didn’t know the exact circumstances behind Grimes’ gripe with Fleming.

“I believe (Grimes) was charged with some offense in Winslow,” Rumsey said. “Apparently that was something he took exception to and decided to address it in Walmart.”

Winslow Police Chief Jeff Fenlason said the argument may have stemmed from a traffic stop in May when Fleming cited Grimes for failure to provide insurance.

Grimes was charged with one count of criminal threatening, a class D misdemeanor. The charge carries a potential jail sentence of up to one year and fines up to $2,000.

Grimes was bailed later Tuesday on personal recognizance with conditions that he not have any contact with Fleming, and is prohibited from possessing weapons. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful. He is scheduled to appear in Waterville District Court on April 3.

Ben McCanna — 861-9239

bmccanna@centralmaine.com