AUBURN, ME – A 50-year-old man is in jail after a woman told police she was abducted and forced to commit theft at a Walmart under threats to her life, officials said.
The ordeal began early Wednesday afternoon, when an employee at the Auburn Walmart noticed a shopper acting frantically and flagged down a police officer working security at the store. The woman, 30, reportedly confided that her ex-boyfriend had assaulted her and brought her to the store against her wishes.
According to authorities, the woman said Harrison Coleman forced her into his vehicle before driving to the Walmart, all while threatening her with deadly consequences if she did not cooperate with his demand to steal certain items from the store’s shelves.
Inside the Walmart, the woman managed to approach staff quietly and explain her predicament. Store employees immediately notified the officer on site, who was able to locate and speak with the victim.
As police launched their investigation, several witnesses were able to corroborate the woman’s claims of distress and coercion. Officers said Coleman remained in the parking lot, apparently waiting for his ex-girlfriend and unaware that she had managed to sound the alarm.
Additional officers arrived and quickly detained Coleman outside the store without incident. Police said the swift response by both Walmart staff and law enforcement averted what could have become a much more dangerous situation.
Following his arrest, Coleman was booked at the Androscoggin County Jail, facing charges of kidnapping, domestic violence assault, and domestic violence criminal threatening. He was being held without bond pending further court proceedings.
Authorities noted that the woman was unharmed physically after the incident and is now safe. The incident unfolded less than an hour’s drive north of Portland, sparking concern among residents about domestic violence and public safety.
Investigators are continuing to gather information and are encouraging the public to come forward with any tips that might help. Coleman’s initial court appearance is still to be scheduled as the legal process moves forward.