AUBURN — A city man charged in a civil suit with violating Maine’s Civil Rights Act faces criminal charges in a July incident in which he is accused of spewing racial epithets, beating the victim’s car and throwing objects at him.

An Androscoggin County grand jury handed up an indictment Wednesday against Adam J. Getchell, 30, charging him with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and aggravated criminal mischief, each punishable by up to five years in prison.

Getchell also was charged with intentional interference with civil rights and driving to endanger.

According to a civil complaint filed by the Attorney General’s Office against Getchell, he drove a pickup truck on July 11 in front of a car driven by Matthew Wooten Jr., 19, who was on East Avenue on his way home.

Getchell sped past Wooten, then cut in front of his car repeatedly, the complaint said.

The two continued over the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge toward Auburn. Getchell pulled alongside Wooten and began throwing things, including what appeared to be tools and a bottle of perfume at Wooten, the complaint said.

As Wooten attempted to pass to the right of Getchell, he drove his truck into Wooten’s car, hitting it at the rear of the driver’s side. Wooten struck his head from the impact.

Wooten called 911 on his cellphone and followed Getchell into a parking lot on Center Street. Getchell got out of his truck carrying a club and yelled, “I’ll fight you, n—–!” and used other racial epithets, the complaint said.

Getchell beat the front and trunk of Wooten’s car with the club. A local police officer appeared as Getchell brandished the club. He said Wooten had confronted him and he was trying to defend himself. He continued to use racial slurs as he spoke with the officer, the complaint said. He was arrested and taken away in a cruiser.

Wooten told police Getchell mouthed: “I’m going to kill you,” as he was driven away.

State prosecutors are seeking an injunction against Getchell in an effort to prevent him from having any contact with Wooten.

cwilliams@sunjournal.com