YCSO: Acton man runs over tenant with tractor during eviction flap

Leslie Dennis (York County Sheriff's Office photo)

ACTON - An Acton landlord was arrested Monday when police say a confrontation with tenants ended with him hitting two of them with his tractor, breaking one's hip.

Sheriff's deputies first learned of the dispute around 9:45 p.m. when they were called to Dennis Lane for a reported disturbance. The caller reported hearing gunshots, screaming and a tractor.

While responding, deputies learned that a woman had been "run over" by the tractor and a suspect was threatening people with a weapon.

Subsequent investigation determined that two women had rented an apartment from Leslie Dennis, 64, whom he planned to evict. Dennis called YCSO earlier in the day on Monday to say they were digging up plants from the back yard. Deputies determined it was a civil issue and advised Dennis to pursue a civil avenue for redress.

One of the tenants decided to continue to dig up some plants in the evening with her adult son. This upset Dennis and he got on his tractor and starting driving toward them in a threatening manner, according to a York County Sheriff's Office press release sent on Tuesday.

The son then approached Dennis and struck him with a shovel prompting Dennis to allegedly strike the man with the tractor and run over a female tenant, breaking her hip.

The woman was transported to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford for treatment. Her condition is not known at the time of this release.

Dennis was charged with aggravated assault, posted $500 bail and was released.