A Gardiner man was taken to the hospital by ambulance Sunday following what police are calling a “random” assault by a man using the Kennebec River Rail Trail before 10 a.m. in Farmingdale.
Maine State Police Detective Scott Bryant said witnesses reported seeing one man assaulting another on the rail trail near the Sheldon Street intersection, and when one witness yelled at the man to stop, the suspect took off running along the trail in the direction of Hannaford in Gardiner.
The victim, Michael McCabe, 49, was taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta by Gardiner Ambulance, Bryant said.
According to a hospital spokesman, McCabe was treated and released.
Bryant said police are seeking assistance from the public in helping to identify the suspect.
Bryant described him as being 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-9 with a very muscular build, wearing gray running shorts, a tank top and either a back pack or a pack that carries water.
“We believe he’s from the area and he’s been seen before,” Bryant said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Maine State Police at 207-624-7076.
Bryant said McCabe told him that he and the other man were both on the trail, and McCabe bumped the suspect by accident.
“The suspect turned around and kicked him, and the victim banged his head on rocks,” Bryant said, adding that the attack appeared to be random.
He also said he had not heard of any similar incidents occurring on the rail trail.
Betty Adams — 621-5631
Twitter: @betadams
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