Maine Teens Face Charges After Restaurant Incident in Fairfield

A quiet Wednesday afternoon at a well-known Fairfield restaurant was disrupted when police say two teenagers entered the Purple Cow and began allegedly harassing customers.

According to Fairfield Police, officers were called to the restaurant just before 2 p.m. after reports came in that the teens were causing a disturbance. Witnesses told authorities the two boys, both wearing ski masks, were intimidating diners and creating an unsafe atmosphere. Police say the situation escalated when it was discovered that one of the individuals was carrying a handgun.

WABI reported that responding officers quickly identified the teenagers and took them into custody. Investigators later determined the boys were 16 and 17 years old. Because of their ages, state law prevents their names from being released publicly.

The 16-year-old was charged with terrorizing and theft. Police say after being processed, he was released to the custody of his parents. The 17-year-old, however, faced more serious consequences, the news station reported.

Along with a terrorizing charge, he was also accused of unlawfully possessing a concealed weapon. He was transported to the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, where he is being held.

Fairfield Police stressed that the quick response helped to prevent what could have been a more dangerous situation inside the family restaurant. “When weapons are involved, especially in a public place, the potential for harm increases dramatically,” one officer told WABI.

The incident remains under investigation, and officials have not released details about where the handgun came from or whether additional charges could be filed.

The Purple Cow, a popular eatery in the area, has since returned to normal operations, but community members expressed concern over the unusual and unsettling events.