Homeless Man Allegedly Attacks 3 Women in Downtown Augusta, Maine Friday Night

What started as a peaceful Friday night in downtown Augusta quickly turned into a nightmare for three local women.

According to reports from WGME 13, Bethany Dube and her two cousins were just checking out the Free Little Library on Water Street when, out of nowhere, a man allegedly attacked them completely unprovoked.

How exactly did the attack start?

“He just beelined and directly punched me in the mouth,” Bethany told reporters. “Then he went for my cousin Jacinta and hit her hard in the face. She carries pepper spray, but didn’t even have a chance to react.”

WGME explained that the suspect, 35-year-old Ethan Turley, who police say is currently homeless, reportedly also tried to drag the third woman away. Thankfully, bystanders jumped in. Richard Vincent and his fiancée were the first to stop him, followed by off-duty firefighter Donny Genesse, who happened to be driving by and helped hold Turley down until police arrived.

Bethany’s dad, Chris Dube, says they’re incredibly grateful. “We honestly don’t know what could have happened if those people didn’t step in.”

Here is what Turley is currently charged with following the alleged attack

Turley appeared in court Monday and is now facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault and criminal threatening. His bail was set at $50,000. His defense attorney noted that he has a history of mental health struggles and isn’t currently on his medication.

The news station went on to say that Bethany, who ended up needing oral surgery due to a fractured jaw and dislodged teeth, says she doesn’t hold hate toward her attacker. “I don’t blame him,” she said. “I blame the system a bit… he had prior assault charges.”

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According to Augusta Police Chief Kevin Lully, officers have interacted with Turley in the past, but nothing like this. The Augusta Downtown Alliance also weighed in, saying this is yet another reminder of how untreated mental illness can spiral, especially for those experiencing homelessness.

We’ll keep following this story as it develops. In the meantime, big thanks to the everyday heroes who stepped up in a terrifying moment.. you very likely saved lives.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE CONDIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW