PORTLAND — Bail has been set at $10,000 surety or $5,000 cash for an Occupy Maine protester accused of striking another man in the head with the blunt end of a hatchet.
Christopher Schisler, 34, faces charges of aggravated assault and criminal mischief in connection with the incident that took place Friday morning in Portland’s Lincoln Park. Schisler made his first court appearance today before District Court Judge Jeffrey Moskowitz. He was not required to enter a plea during the proceeding.
According to police, someone kicked a drum that protester Alan Porter, 45, of Portland, began banging on to wake other members of the group on Friday morning. Police allege that 34-year-old Danny Arnold then tried to choke Porter and that Schisler then broke the drum with what was initially described as a hammer. Authorities have since said the object was a hatchet.
Police said someone hit Schisler with part of the broken drum as he was walking away and that Schisler then walked back to Porter and hit him in the head with hatchet.
Deputy District Attorney Meg Elam said Schisler, who has described himself as head of security for the movement, has aggravated assault, domestic violence and parole violations convictions in Georgia. In Maine, she said, he has multiple domestic violence assault convictions.
If Schisler makes bail, he will be barred from contact with the victim and will not be allowed in Lincoln Park.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
