Suspect sought in Fryeburg stabbing incident

PC 17 FPD Suspect Composite

This sketch is of the suspect, who allegedly stabbed a local pet groomer. Anyone who has information regarding this suspect should contact the Fryeburg Police Department.

FRYEBURG — Fryeburg Police Officers are investigating a stabbing that occurred Tuesday at 169 Lovewell Pond Road.

The incident took place at Creature Comforts, which is a pet grooming business owned by a 46-year-old Fryeburg resident, at 11:30 a.m. The unknown male suspect entered the business carrying a pregnant dog wrapped in a dirty blue blanket and was seeking assistance with delivering its puppies.

When the businessowner used the phone to call the veterinarian, he suspected she was calling the police and made reference to not wanting to go back to jail. The suspect became enraged at the business owner and began assaulting her using a statue that was on the shelf, according to Fryeburg Police Sgt. Joshua Potvin. The victim pulled out cutting shears in an attempt to defend herself and was disarmed by the suspect, who then allegedly stabbed her repeatedly with the cutting shears.

The victim went temporarily unconscious and sustained several lacerations and bruises in the altercation. She was transported to Bridgton Hospital, where she remains in stable condition.

The suspect fled the business after removing cash from the victim’s purse and a donations jar for animal rescue that was on the counter.

The suspect is described as: male, approximately 5-foot-8 with a medium build; upper 20s to lower 30s age range; wearing a camouflage ball cap, a green canvas-style barn coat and black winter gloves; described as having decaying teeth and missing a bottom tooth on right side of lower teeth; and having severe acne.

A computerized composite sketch of the suspect was created with the assistance of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division.

“This is a senseless crime that happened to a citizen who was just trying to help a stranger in need,” Sgt. Potvin said. “I have assured the victim that we will do everything in our power to bring the suspect to justice. We wish her a speedy recovery.”

Sgt. Potvin added, “The robbery appears to be a crime of convenience after the assault occurred. The condition of the dog is unknown. The victim was also caring for her two-year-old daughter, who was just in the next room over at the time of the incident. The child was unharmed.”

The suspect could face charges of aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon (Class B), armed robbery (Class B) and cruelty to animals (Class D).

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. Joshua Potvin at 935-3323 or e-mail at poddy107@gmail.com