Man nabbed after wild window-smashing spree

Oscar Michaud (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - Police say a sword-wielding man saying he was doing "God's work" shattered several shop windows in downtown Rochester Wednesday before officers corralled him on South Main Street.

The incident was first reported around 8 a.m. when calls to police reported the destruction of windows and that the man carrying a stick and sword, using them to break the windows.

As police arrived on scene officers saw the man holding the sword and stick standing on the sidewalk in front of 48 South Main St.

Officers with drawn guns ordered him to drop the items, which he did before being taken into custody.

Oscar Michaud, 53, of 46 South Main St., Apt. #204, stated to witnesses and officers he was completing "God's work" and the "world was ending" during the melee.

Michaud caused damage to the front windows to three South Main Street businesses, including Gold-n-Things, Tri City Bicycles, and The Granite State Vapor Lounge.

During the course of the investigation officers also learned Michaud threatened a witness by pointing the sword at the person, along with grabbing the witness.

Michaud was charged with four misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, Class A misdemeanor simple assault, contempt for already being out on bail and felony criminal threatening.

Michaud was transported to the Rochester Police Department where he refused bail and was transported to the Strafford County Jail where he will remain until his arraignment today via video at the Rochester District Court.