FALMOUTH — A former part-time firefighter who was arrested for arson in 2013 was arrested again July 5, this time for allegedly assaulting another resident at Town Landing.
Griffin Kline, 23, of 47 Seaside Way, who was charged in late 2013 with two counts of arson, was arrested July 5 after he allegedly attacked Shady Lane resident Michael Doyle.
Doyle was treated at a Portland hospital following the incident. He is known as a frequent critic of local government, who most recently attempted to sue the town, Town Council and Town Manager Nathan Poore for mail fraud over Freedom of Access charges. The case was dismissed.
According to Police Department Lt. John Kilbride, the alleged assault took place around 7 p.m., when Kline was fishing and was asked by the parent of a nearby child to stop swearing. He responded by yelling at the parent, and then pulled out a badge and told the individual to step back. Police are still working to identify the badge, Kilbride said.
Police say Doyle approached and spoke to Kline, who then began yelling and making gestures at Doyle. As Kline left the pier Doyle took his photograph, which Kilbride said apparently prompted Kline to attack Doyle.
Kline allegedly hit Doyle in the face with a bait bucket, and then bit him on the hand when he tried to get up and restrain Kline.
Kline was charged with assault, violating conditions of release, and impersonating a public servant. He was taken to the Cumberland County Jail, and was released July 6 at 5 p.m. following time served, which means he will not have to appear in court.
Kline began serving on the Fire Department in June 2011. He was arrested on two charges of arson in November 2013 after a two-month investigation into a Dumpster fire on Woodlands Drive and fire that destroyed a wooden structure at the Woodlands Country Club.
He was later indicted for the incident at the country club.
Prior to his arrest for arson, Kline was indicted for allegedly engaging in sex acts with a minor. Tamara Getchell, spokeswoman for the Cumberland County district attorney’s office, said Kline agreed to a deferred disposition, which requires him to comply with court-ordered conditions.
Colin Ellis can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 123 or cellis@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @colinoellis.
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