A Lewiston man was accused of assault and criminal use of disabling chemicals Wednesday morning after allegedly attacking someone on King Street and then assaulting police officers with bear spray, according to Oxford police Chief Rickie Jack.

Oxford Police Officer Michael Rioux was called to a King Street residence where the victim said he was assaulted in his driveway by an unknown male who had been sitting beside the road.

The suspect, later identified as Matthew Martin, 45, of Lewiston, fled on foot. Oxford Police Officer Michael Robb and K-9 Koda tracked Martin to a nearby residence where he was standing behind a vehicle parked in a driveway in an agitated and possibly intoxicated state, Jack said.

The officers identified themselves and attempted to speak to Martin who police say came toward them while pulling his shirt up and displaying a large can of what turned out to be bear spray in his pocket.

After he failed to obey verbal commands to back away, officers attempted to use a Taser but failed to connect. A second Taser attempt made a partial connection.

A physical struggle ensued as Koda became involved, Jack said. Martin sprayed both officers and the dog in their faces but Koda was able to subdue the suspect.

Martin was taken into custody by Rioux and Robb and brought to MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway for treatment. He was then taken to the Oxford County jail in South Paris where he was charged with one count of assault, two counts of assault on law enforcement, criminal trespass, refusing to submit to arrest, disorderly conduct, unlawful interference with a law enforcement dog and criminal use of disabling chemicals.

He is being held on $5,000 cash bail.

The officers, including Koda, underwent decontamination, according to Jack, and are fine.

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