Incident Date: July 4, 2021
Incident Time: 7:05pm
Incident Location: 12 Watchic Terrace Standish
Release Date: July 5, 2021
Release Time: 2:30pm
Nearly 9-hour standoff with police results in arrest
On the above date and time, the CCSO responded to a domestic violence call at 12 Watchic Terrace in the Town of Standish. A 43-year old Standish woman reported that her boyfriend had punched her in the face several times during an argument. The woman was able to escape to a neighbor’s home where police were called. The woman sustained facial injuries, including a bloody nose but denied the need for immediate medical attention.
During the investigation, police learned of a firearm inside the home, which the suspect may have access to. Initial responding deputies made contact with the suspect, Kenneth CORDWELL, through a series of phone calls and text messages. CORDWELL refused to exit the home. At the time, police were also aware that CORDWELL had several arrest warrants on charges including OUI, OAS, Refusing to Submit to Arrest/Detention, & Criminal Mischief. These warrants all stemmed from a prior Saco PD case.
For nearly 9 hours, police made repeated attempts to negotiate a peaceful surrender with CORDWELL. The Cumberland County Emergency Service Unit (ESU) was called to assist. The unit executed a search warrant and found CORDWELL hiding in a small utility room in the basement. CORDWELL was taken into custody without further incident.
Kenneth J. CORDWELL (47 years old) has a last known address in Windham. He was arrested and transported to the Cumberland County Jail where he was charged with the following new crimes:
Domestic Violence Assault
Creating a Police Standoff
CORDWELL remains confined at the CCJ and is being held on $560 cash bail.
The Cumberland County Emergency Services Unit is team comprised of officers from several agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office, Westbrook PD, Windham PD, Cumberland PD, Gorham PD, and Falmouth PD. The unit has specialized training in tactical operations and crisis negotiations. The Sheriff’s Office also received significant assistance from the Maine State Police in this incident.
Domestic Violence is a serious crime and we are reminded all too often of the tragic outcomes. Domestic violence exists in communities across the country and can affect anyone, regardless of gender, identity, age, economic status, race, sexual orientation, nationality or religion. Domestic violence ranks among the most difficult and sensitive calls for police to investigate. We remain committed to all victims and survivors of domestic violence and continue to strengthen our partnerships with domestic violence resource centers and advocacy group to help end this violence.
The CCSO wishes to acknowledge residents of Watchic Terrace and thank them for their patience. Watchic Terrace is a lakefront community clustered with many homes in close proximity to each other. These residents had to endure many hours of heavy police activity, including the use of Public Address speakers and police sirens throughout the ordeal, which ended at approximately 0400hrs Monday morning.
Captain Foss
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
(207) 774- 1444