A man was shot by police Friday after grabbing a sword and swinging it at officers during a traffic stop, according to the Calais Police Department.

Calais Police Officer Charles Ball and Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Taylor Leblanc stopped Abinadi White, 35, at the intersection of Main and North streets, according to a press release.

When White was told he was under arrest, he reportedly refused to comply. Officers tried to use a Taser but were unsuccessful, and when they tried to physically take him into custody he grabbed a sword and swung it at them. Both officers fired their weapons.

White was taken to Calais Regional Hospital and later airlifted to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where he was stabilized.

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure when deadly force is used. The Maine Attorney General’s Office will investigate the use of deadly force.

White faces charges including criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, failure to submit to arrest and operating after suspension, police said.

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This is in response to the recent story about not worrying about tick bites and allergies to red meat. I have been diagnosed with AGS — Alpha Gal Syndrome — which is indeed being allergic to red meat from a tick bite. Studies now are indicating that the blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick, can carry this also.

I’m now in my third year with this allergy and the case has been medically confirmed with my VA doctor and documented with the CDC. The tick definitely originated from Vassalboro with no out-of-state travel done during this time period. I do self-checks every time out but managed to miss this one between my pinky toe and the fourth toe. I did not seek medical treatment thinking that it was a dog tick and I watched the bite site for weeks.

When in doubt, remove the tick safely and save it for the doctor’s visit.

Robert Rooney
Vassalboro