LEWISTON — Local police arrested a man Friday who they say threatened a local coffee shop owner with a knife and then fled toward the children's play area in Kennedy Park. 

No one was hurt during the altercation.

Abdi Bihi, 32, of Lewiston was charged with criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon.

Police say Bihi frequented the Safari Cafe at 278 Lisbon St. throughout the day Friday. He was kicked out of the business for being intoxicated.

Shortly before 6:30 p.m., police said, he returned to the cafe, pulled out a knife and shouted obscenities at the owner, Siyad Abdi. The owner fled the building and called police. 

Bihi left the scene. With help from witnesses, police tracked Bihi to nearby Kennedy Park, where he was heading toward the basketball courts and the children's play area.

Officer David Levesque drew his weapon and arrested Bihi without incident. Police said both the officer and Bihi were far enough from the playground that no children were in danger. 

Police said he was carrying a large steak knife.

Police said it was unclear why Bihi threatened the owner or whether he was angry about being kicked out of the cafe earlier in the day. They said it was not a robbery.

Bihi is being held at the Androscoggin County Jail on $1,000 cash bail. 

ltice@sunjournal.com