PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WABI) – A Solon man wanted on sexual assault charges is in custody after police say he tried to flee the country.
Customs and Border Protection officers say they arrested 41-year-old Matthew Thomas Cooley on Sunday at the Philadelphia International Airport before he could board a flight to Germany.
Cooley was wanted by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office on charges of sexual assault, domestic violence stalking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Authorities say Cooley tried to pepper spray an officer during the arrest, leading to additional charges of assaulting an officer and refusing to submit to arrest.
Cooley was turned over to Pennsylvania police and is awaiting extradition back to Maine.
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