ROCKLAND – An Appleton man was charged with allegedly breaking into a Tenants Harbor residence and assaulting a woman.

Clair Mitchell, of Appleton, was arrested July 27 by Sgt. Lance Mitchell and Deputy Pat Polky of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and charged with criminal trespass, domestic violence assault and refusing to submit to arrest, according to court documents.

Mitchell made his initial court appearance on July 29 in Knox County Unified Court.

According to the police report, the victim awoke and found Mitchell allegedly standing over her in her bedroom. The victim told police that Mitchell had not been living in the house for some time. A physical confrontation occurred after several minutes of arguing and Mitchell was removed from the residence by the victim and a friend of hers who was already at the home.

Mitchell fled to the woods when Polky arrived at the residence. Sgt. Mitchell, who was near the scene, responded and spotted Mitchell on his bicycle as he was travelling away from the residence. Mitchell refused to stop and increased his speed when Sgt. Mitchell ordered him to halt.

Mitchell fell off his bicycle when he attempted to ride it into the woods and then fled on foot. Sgt. Mitchell chased Mitchell and apprehended him as he was trying to jump over a fence. Mitchell resisted arrest and finally had to be subdued by Polky with his taser, according to court documents.

Mitchell’s bail was set at $2,500 cash. He is not to have any contact with the victim as part of his bail conditions.

Mitchell will make his next court appearance in September in Knox County Unified Court.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com.