RUMFORD – Bedlam at Rumford District Court Wednesday morning was apparently the result of a domestic dispute that got out of hand, police said. A court officer was assaulted and required medical treatment at Rumford Hospital.

The incident, during which a panic alarm was triggered by court officials, began at 11:07 a.m. just outside of the courtroom, said investigating officer Daniel Garbarini.

Officer James “Bernard and I responded and saw a female in the hall,” Garbarini said. She was identified as Lyn Allen, 34, of York County.

“Initially, she told us that everything was all set, so we cleared from the call,” he added.

But later Allen reportedly told him that her boyfriend, David Ramsdell, 44, of York County, was upset with her ex-boyfriend, Ryan McDonald, 21, of Mexico, alleging that McDonald was provoking Ramsdell.

“I spoke to a court officer (who said) Ryan McDonald went out of control and went after his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend,” Garbarini said.

That commotion on the second floor was heard by police on the first floor, said Sgt. George Cayer.

“I could hear it from down here. The whole floor up there was shaking, and we heard that people were afraid they’d get shot,” Cayer said Friday afternoon.

As a result of Garbarini’s investigation, McDonald was arrested and charged with violation of a protection from harassment order. He was released on $150 unsecured bail.

But the story didn’t end there.

As Garbarini continued to investigate the incident, he said he learned that court officer Constance “Connie” Sorel was reportedly assaulted by McDonald and had to seek medical treatment at Rumford Hospital for an injury to her arm.

“I have obtained a written statement from the court officer alleging assault, who said she was punched twice by McDonald, causing injury to her arm. That’s why I’m doing an arrest warrant for McDonald (charging) him with assault on an officer,” Garbarini said.

He said the ruckus started, according to McDonald, when Ramsdell allegedly taunted him.

“There were no words spoken, just facial gestures,” Garbarini added.


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