Man Swings Axe After Allegedly Offering Female Companionship

WEST DENNIS- At approximately 7:45pm Thursday April 26, 2007 Dennis Police responded to a 9-1-1 call from an individual at the Plantation Condominiums, located at 371 Route 28, reporting that a male subject had just assaulted a resident with a long handled axe in the parking lot of the complex.

As a result of an investigation it was learned that the suspect Michael J. Adler, 50 years of age, of Apt.#2 Plantation Condominiums had first approached the victim who was landscaping the property in front of his unit.  At this time Mr. Adler is alleged to have offered the sexual services of his female companion to the victim in exchange for money.  When the victim refused, Mr. Adler began to verbally argue with the victim and returned to his apartment, retrieving a long handled axe which he swung at the victim but did not strike him.

A witness interceded and managed to calm the situation after which Mr. Adler returned to his apartment.

Upon the arrival of police, Mr. Adler fled his apartment through a rear bathroom window but was located by Patrolman Henry Jessop hiding in nearby woods.  The axe used in the assault was also located by police and taken into evidence.

Mr. Adler is being charged with one (1) count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon – axe.  Mr. Adler was held on $500 cash bail at the Barnstable County Jail for his appearance in Orleans District Court on Friday April 27, 2007.

The allegation of solicitation of sex for money is under investigation.

(Media release prepared by Captain William M. Monahan of the Dennis Police)