Maine man threatens McDonald's workers with a chainsaw, steals food: Police

A Portland man allegedly threatened McDonald's employees with a chainsaw on Tuesday.

Westbrook Police officers responded to multiple 911 calls coming from a McDonald's restaurant on Riverside St. in Portland at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Several people reported a male was chasing people with a chainsaw at the location. Westbrook Police said "all on-duty officers responded immediately."

The suspect, who was spotted at a tire shop near the restaurant, ran from officers but he was caught and arrested without further incident, according to police.

Police said the male suspect, identified as 26-year-old Portland resident Alice Sweet, went into the McDonald's with a chainsaw and went behind the counter while employees were working. Sweet revved the chainsaw repeatedly, then allegedly stole food and a drink and left.

The manager confronted him in the parking lot, where the suspect then allegedly chased the manager with the chainsaw. Police said the suspect damaged two vehicles in the lot with the chainsaw. No injuries were reported.

Alice Sweet was charged with robbery, criminal mischief, refusing to submit to arrest, and violation of conditions of release.