Maine Man Kidnaps Ex-Girlfriend, Forces Her to Steal From Walmart Under Threat of Death, Police Say
AUBURN, MAINE — A 50-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, assaulting her, and threatening to kill her if she refused to steal specific items from a Walmart store, according to Maine police.
The suspect, identified as Harrison Coleman, was arrested and booked at the Androscoggin County Jail on charges of kidnapping, domestic violence assault, and domestic violence criminal threatening following the incident on October 29, 2025.
Police: Victim Forced Into Vehicle and Taken to Walmart
Authorities said that around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a Walmart employee in Auburn approached an officer working security at the store after noticing a woman who appeared to be in distress. The 30-year-old victim reportedly told the officer that she had been forced into a vehicle and brought to the store against her will.
The woman identified her alleged abductor as her ex-boyfriend, Harrison Coleman, and claimed that he had assaulted her before ordering her to steal items from the store under threat of death.
Investigators said Coleman was waiting in the parking lot outside Walmart, about 30 miles north of Portland, when officers located him moments later.
Witnesses and Store Employees Helped Stop the Attack
According to the Auburn Police Department, several witnesses inside the store corroborated the victim’s account. She had managed to approach Walmart employees for help, leading them to quickly contact the on-duty officer stationed nearby.
“The quick actions of Walmart employees and the close proximity of the responding officer ensured this victim’s safety and led to the swift arrest of the suspect,” said Auburn Deputy Chief of Police Tim Cougle in a statement.
Investigators said Coleman had allegedly physically assaulted the victim before forcing her into his vehicle. Once inside Walmart, he allegedly gave her instructions on what to steal and told her he would kill her if she refused.
Suspect Held Without Bond
Coleman was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Police confirmed he was booked into Androscoggin County Jail and is being held without bond pending his initial court appearance.
Authorities have not disclosed what items Coleman wanted the victim to steal or whether any property was recovered. The victim, who was not identified by name, was evaluated by first responders and released after speaking with police.
Officials praised both the store’s staff and the responding officers for acting quickly to prevent further harm.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone experiencing domestic violence or coercion in Maine to contact local law enforcement or reach out to support organizations for immediate help. For more updates on local crime, community safety, and public awareness stories across the state, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.