TOPSHAM — An officer-involved shooting occurred early Tuesday morning on Merrymeeting Bridge, Route 196, after Topsham Police responded to a distressing call made by a local man.
At 1:32 a.m., Sagadahoc Regional Communications received a call from 33-year-old Joseph Mendez, who thanked them for their service and indicated that he would soon be found.
Utilizing the 911 mapping system, dispatchers located Mendez and sent officers to the scene.
Officers Mathew Bowers and Frasier Vachon arrived at the bridge and attempted to communicate with Mendez, instructing him to drop his weapon.
Mendez, who was armed with a machete, did not comply with the officers’ commands and advanced toward them, leading to the shooting.
Despite being shot, Mendez continued to resist and did not adhere to further commands.
Officers ultimately used a Taser to subdue and detain him.
Mendez was initially taken to Mid-Coast Hospital and later transferred to Maine Medical for additional treatment.
Authorities expect him to survive his injuries.
Following the incident, both Bowers and Vachon have been placed on administrative leave, in line with standard procedures.
The Office of the Attorney General is set to investigate the use of deadly force, while the Topsham Police Department’s Criminal Division will handle the underlying criminal charges.