Portland, ME – February 1, 2024 – In a startling incident on Wednesday night, a man carrying a machete was arrested after allegedly assaulting people at Franklin Towers, a residential building on Cumberland Avenue, according to the Portland Police Department.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Ahmed Ismail, who is currently homeless, now faces multiple charges, including assault, criminal threatening, and violating conditions of release – a charge related to breaking the terms of a prior legal release, in addition to drug possession.

The authorities were alerted to the situation when a report came in just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, describing assaults taking place within Franklin Towers. However, it was clarified by a spokesperson from the Portland Police Department that Ismail was not using the machete to assault people.

Ismail was swiftly taken into custody by the police and subsequently transported to the Cumberland County Jail, where he was also charged with drug possession.

Brian Frost, the executive director of the Portland Housing Authority, which owns Franklin Towers, provided insight into the situation. Frost explained that Ahmed Ismail was a guest of one of the building’s residents and had not been involved in any prior incidents that came to the attention of the building’s management.

In response to the incident, the housing authority plans to collaborate with its attorney to obtain a restraining order against Ismail, prohibiting his return to the property.

The Portland Police Department asks anyone with additional information about the case to call (207) 874-8575 or text “PPDME” to 847411. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are interested in any further details that could assist with their inquiries.

News Link: https://rairfoundation.com/maine-ahmed-ismail-arrested-machete-attack-drug-possession/