Augusta, Maine — A serene Friday night in downtown Augusta turned chaotic when a man allegedly launched a violent attack on three women, all cousins in their twenties. The incident took place on Water Street and has left both the victims and the community shaken.
Ethan Turley, 35, identified as a transient, was arrested shortly after the assault. He appeared in court on Monday facing charges that include aggravated assault, assault, criminal threatening, and disorderly conduct. A judge set his bail at $50,000 in cash. During the hearing, Turley’s defense attorney mentioned that he struggles with mental health issues and has been off his medication.
The victims described the attack as seemingly random. Bethany Dube, one of the cousins, recounted how they were enjoying a leisurely moment near a free little library when Turley suddenly approached and struck her in the mouth. Her immediate reaction was to stumble back against a fence. “It was totally out of nowhere,” Dube said. “We hadn’t spoken to him or even made eye contact.”
Dube noted that her cousin Jacinta was also targeted, sustaining a significant bruise from a punch. Despite usually carrying pepper spray for self-defense, Jacinta was caught off guard and did not have a chance to react. The frightening ordeal was halted by bystanders, including Richard Vincent and his fiancée, who intervened and restrained Turley until police arrived. “We are incredibly grateful for their bravery,” Chris Dube, Bethany’s father, said. “Who knows what could have happened without them?”
Local authorities have acknowledged that the suspect’s behavior may stem from untreated mental illness issues. Jeremy Ashlock, with the Augusta Downtown Alliance, indicated that such violent acts can often be linked to the challenges faced by individuals living on the streets. “Their willingness to commit such an assault clearly points to underlying mental health problems,” Ashlock remarked.
After the encounter, Dube sought medical attention and learned she had suffered a fracture that dislodged some of her teeth. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she expressed a remarkable sense of compassion. “I don’t blame him,” she stated, adding that she feels more frustration toward systemic failures that contribute to such incidents. “There’s a flaw in the system that allows people like him to continue this cycle.”
Augusta Police Chief Kevin Lully confirmed that the department has had prior interactions with Turley but stated this was an unprecedented level of violence. In response to the increasing number of incidents involving unhoused individuals, the police have employed a social worker and a liaison to better connect with those in need of assistance, aiming to provide necessary support and resources.
The community is now grappling with the aftermath of the attack, highlighting ongoing discussions surrounding mental health and public safety. As residents call for action to address these critical issues, some remain hopeful that a more proactive approach could prevent incidents like this in the future.