Terror struck a Portland, Maine grocery store parking lot last night when a man wielding a knife chased after children. NBC Boston reports that police received multiple calls at about 9:20 p.m. regarding the harrowing scene at Shaw's on Auburn Avenue. Quick action by store employees, who pulled the children into the store and secured the doors, provided refuge from the man's threats.

Curtis Crawford, 54, identified as homeless, was arrested and faced charges including criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon and criminal trespass. The staff's intervention added a layer of security for the children while, chased by the man, were waiting for police to take control of the situation. "We would like to recognize the staff at Shaw’s, who during this time, sheltered the children in the store and locked the doors, helping keep them safe while officers were responding to the scene," said the Portland Police Department in a release, which was mentioned by News Center Maine.

While the incident ended without physical harm to the children thanks in part to the swift action of the Shaw’s employees, it left a shaken community and underscored the vulnerability of public spaces. Crawford was detained by authorities as they arrived at the scene and is held accountable for his actions in court.

Local authorities continue to investigate the motive behind this incident and have asked the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Portland Police at 207-874-8575 or to text PPDME and their message to 847411.