Statement Regarding Law Enforcement's Use of Deadly Force in Augusta

July 8, 2010

Contact: Kate Simmons (207) 626-8577

Augusta ? Shortly after 9 am a police-involved shooting occurred near the Route 17 gate of the Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The incident involved a confrontation between an armed military veteran, a member of the Togus Police Department and two Game Wardens. The Game Wardens witnessed the confrontation, and stopped to aid the officer from Togus. The armed individual, a male who was not a resident or staff person at the facility, was fatally injured in the confrontation. No other civilians or members of law enforcement sustained injuries. The Attorney General?s Office will release the name of the deceased when the identity of the individual is confirmed and the next of kin have been notified.

The Attorney General is charged by law with investigating any law enforcement officer who uses deadly force while acting in the performance of that officer's duties. The function of the Attorney General?s investigation is to determine whether self-defense or defense of others, or other legal justification as defined in the Maine Criminal Code, is reasonably generated on the facts so as to preclude criminal prosecution. The review does not include whether there might be any civil liability, whether any administrative action is warranted, or whether the use of deadly force could have been avoided at all costs. At the conclusion of the Attorney General?s investigation, a complete report with factual details will be released.

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