UPDATE: ROCKLAND (Oct. 28): Kent E. Darnell, 38, of Sugar City, Colorado, who was arrested Oct. 24 by Knox County Sheriff’s deputies on Vinalhaven after an altercation with a female that involved a firearm, made his initial appearance in Knox County Unified Court Oct. 25.

At the hearing, Judge Paul Mathew set Darnell’s bail at $25,000 cash with no third party bail allowed.

Darnell remains at the Knox County Jail in Rockland.

His bail conditions include that he cannot return to the residence where the altercation occurred, will be subject to random searched at any time without suspicion, and is prohibited from using or possessing any firearms or weapons.

Darnell will appear in court again Dec. 12 for a dispositional conference.

VINALHAVEN — On Thursday, Oct. 24, at approximately 3:20 p.m., a female reported to Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Davis, while he was at the Vinalhaven Fire Station, that she had just been involved in a physical altercation with her male partner at a residence on Vinalhaven.

Deputy Davis conducted a preliminary inquiry into the events of the altercation and was able to determine that the female was the victim in a domestic violence incident.

The suspect, Kent E. Darnell, 38, of Sugar City, Colorado, was reported to be intoxicated and despondent when he attempted to kill himself, according to the KCSO, in a news release. The victim attempted to intervene when she and Darnell had a physical altercation that included Darnell assaulting her.

Deputies were led to believe that Darnell was still likely at the residence and armed; it is alleged that he used a firearm during the altercation. Deputy Davis requested immediate assistance in order to help protect the victim as well as finding Darnell.

Several deputies were taken by boat and plane to the island to assist.

Darnell was located at the residence. Deputies, including the K9 team, secured the area around it prior to attempting contact, the release said. Detective Burtis, a crisis negotiator, was able to make contact and converse with Darnell who gave himself up peaceably. Maine Marine Patrol, who was requested for support at the onset, arrived from Rockland and assisted with transporting Darnell to the Knox County Jail. Maine State Police Tactical Team was apprised of the situation and began preparations for response had the incident become more volatile.

Darnell is currently incarcerated at the Knox County Jail and charged with Domestic Violence Strangulation, Domestic Violence Criminal Threatening, Domestic Violence Terrorizing, Reckless Conduct with a Firearm, Criminal Mischief. Bail was unable to be set due to the nature of the alleged crimes.

The KCSO was assisted by Knox Regional Communications Center, Island Community Medical Services, Maine Marine Patrol, Maine State Police, and Penobscot Island Air.