A Standish man has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated assault, and reckless conduct with a weapon.
Paul Dragomir, 25, of 7 Wildbrook Lane will be tried for these and several other charges brought against him from an incident that took place last January 31.
On that night, his mother, Virginia Dragomir, called E-911 for help after Paul struck her in the face and tried to choke her. As Paul attempted to make his escape, driving his car through the closed garage door, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputy James Estabrook turned onto Wildbrook Lane in response to Virginia’s call.
According to Estabrook, Paul accelerated toward the cruiser, smashing the officer’s door and pinning him inside. Estabrook escaped from his car through the passenger door and eventually apprehended Paul, who kicked and screamed obscenities in his struggle to resist arrest.
Bail for Dragomir was set at $50,000 cash but he has remained in jail for the past four months.
In a phone interview this week, his mother expressed concern for his health. She said five years ago he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and put on medication but had stopped taking it.
“Everybody gives up on medication when they are feeling good,” Dragomir said. “It’s very hard for a young person to accept the fact that they need medication. I knew he was sick; I accepted it – I wasn’t ashamed.”
According to Virginia, three days before the January incident, Paul obtained a prescription for painkillers after pulling a chest muscle while shoveling. On the night in question, he had taken two of the pills and was drinking, as well, to try to ease his pain.
“I never had a problem with my son,” Virginia said. “He never raised his voice or lifted a finger to me.”
Although she realizes her son needs help, she is worried that he will be unable to access the services he requires: “He needs doctors, psychiatrists, and friends who will help him with his illness.”
Following the January arrest, Deputy Estabrook was taken to Maine Medical Center with a shoulder injury.
As of press time, Dragomir’s trial date is yet to be determined.
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