CHINA, Maine (WGME) -- Police say a Maine man attacked his parents and then used a splitting maul to break into their China home while yelling, “I’m here to kill you.”

The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office responded to 51 14th Fire Road in China for a report of a man breaking into a home with a splitting maul around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday. Deputies say he was heard by the dispatcher yelling, “I’m here to kill you.” Soon after, there was silence, and it appeared the connection with the caller was lost.

When deputies arrived, they say they discovered that 40-year-old Jacob Merrill of China had assaulted his parents, which caused them to retreat into their home.

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Merrill then used a splitting maul that was near a fire pit where the assaults happened to smash his way into the home, according to deputies.

Deputies say Merrill then left and went back to his home next door.

Several hours later, Merrill was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, violating conditions of release, and aggravated criminal mischief.

Merrill is being held at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility without bail.