A Massachusetts woman is facing charges after a reported axe attack over the weekend that was captured on video.
According to police, on Sunday, at approximately noon, Rumford Police responded to a 911 call reporting that a woman was attacking a man with an axe during an argument in the parking lot of Madison’s Condos, located at 1257 U.S. Route 2 in Rumford.
Multiple Rumford Police officers responded, assisted by a deputy from the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, officers found that the individuals had separated and the immediate confrontation had ended.
An investigation determined that the incident stemmed from a dispute over a motorcycle transportation arrangement.
The investigation revealed that the 44-year-old male victim, a resident of Madison’s Condos, had arranged through social media for 46-year-old Luciane Dezan of Medford, to transport his red 1984 Honda GL1200 motorcycle from his former residence in Northborough, Massachusetts, to Rumford.
When Dezan arrived with the motorcycle, the victim discovered damage that he believed had occurred during transportation. After confronting Dezan about the damage and indicating that he was unwilling to pay the full agreed-upon transportation fee, an argument ensued.
The investigation revealed that Dezan retrieved an axe from her van and began repeatedly striking the motorcycle, causing extensive damage. When the victim attempted to intervene and stop the destruction, Dezan allegedly swung the axe toward his head, narrowly missing him.
The victim was able to move his head out of the path of the axe and escaped injury. Police estimate that the motorcycle sustained approximately $2,000 in damage during the attack.
The incident was captured on video and the recording was provided to investigators as evidence.
Dezan was arrested by Rumford Police and charged with Attempted Elevated Aggravated Assault (Class B Felony) and Aggravated Criminal Mischief (Class C Felony).
Bail was set at $10,000 cash, with conditions requiring Dezan to have no contact with the victim and to stay away from his residence if released.
Dezan was transported to the Oxford County Jail, where she remains pending bail or her initial court appearance.
Rumford Police recognized and thanked the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing. All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
