JAY — Two residents are accused of endangering the welfare of their young child after police responded to a report of a dispute between neighbors Tuesday night on Otis Street.

A young child was used as a shield for protection by one of the residents, Police Chief Richard Caton IV said Wednesday.

A caller reported being harassed, threatened and assaulted by a neighbor at about 8:55 p.m., he said. Jay police called for assistance from Livermore Falls police.

While at the residence, Jay Cpl. Jeffrey Fournier witnessed Sharron Wallace, 30, scream obscenities at the person making the complaint to police, Caton said.

Fournier attempted to arrest Wallace and was blocked several times by Robert McDowell, 31, who lives with her, while Wallace refused to be arrested, he said.

“McDowell also handed Wallace their young child who then used the young child as a shield for protection,” Caton said.

Police requested dispatchers to send additional officers and Wilton police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Maine State Police responded.

The child, who was unharmed, was later taken from Wallace and she and McDowell were arrested, Caton said. The child was given to another family member.

Police arrested Wallace on misdemeanor charges of two counts of assault, harassment, endangering the welfare of a child and refusing to submit to arrest or detention, he said. One count of assault was against the reporting party and the other is for kicking Fournier, Caton said.

McDowell was arrested on misdemeanor charges of obstructing government administration and endangering the welfare of a child, he said.

A conviction on all but the harassment charge carries a maximum 364 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. The harassment charge carries a maximum 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Both McDowell and Wallace were taken to the Franklin County Detention Center in Farmington.

They were each being held on $500 cash bail and were still at the jail Wednesday morning, a corrections officer said.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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