ROCKLAND – Rockland Police arrested a man on Saturday, June 27, for allegedly assaulting City Councilor Penny York with pepper spray while she was on a morning run. 

Nicholas Wallace, 37, listed as a transient, was charged with assault, criminal threatening, terrorizing, criminal use of a chemical agent, and disorderly conduct. He was initially taken to the Knox County holding facility in Rockland.

Wallace made his initial appearance in Knox County Court on June 29 before Judge Sarah Gilbert who set bail at $5,000 cash. He will be on supervised release if he posts bail.

According to the affidavit in filed in court by Rockland Police, York said she was out for a run and was on Broadway shortly before 10 a.m. on June 27 when she passed a man and apparently startled him. Wallace began swearing at York and began running after her. She stopped and told him she was uncomfortable with him running with her and he said he wasn't running after her but was chasing her.

When Wallace caught up with York he pulled pepper spray out of his pocket and sprayed her in the face. She said that most of the spray hit her sunglasses, but some contacted her face causing a burning sensation, according to the court document.

Two witnesses were able to catch Wallace and detain him until police arrived. Several witnesses including nearby residents and passing drivers also responded.

Police said the assault is believed to be a random incident, according to the affidavit.

Wallace remains in custody at Two Bridges Jail in Wiscasset.

He will appear in court again on Aug. 27 for dispositional conference.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com