BELFAST — Joseph McCusker, 57, of Conway, N.H., was arrested Sunday evening, Oct. 20, and charged with domestic violence assault, operating under the influence and reckless violation of a protective order. The charges followed McCusker’s alleged assault on a woman whom he is barred from contacting. After further investigation, Belfast Police determined McCusker had allegedly attempted to hit the woman with his car.

Belfast Police initially received a call about an SUV that had come to a screeching stop on Northport Avenue. Belfast Police Officer Thomas Ballard found the vehicle in the parking lot of a convenience store and determined McCusker was allegedly under the influence.

The victim, who was with McCusker, was inside the store when police arrived, but after being interviewed reported that she had been being abused for the prior two days. According to a detective, the woman had signs of abuse on her face.

A witness reported to Officer Ballard that McCusker allegedly attempted to hit the woman with his car as she entered the store.

McCusker was transported to Waldo County Jail, where he remained Oct. 23.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com