///

Maine deputy, police dog injured in standoff after domestic dispute in Portage

1 min read

PORTAGE — A standoff stemming from a domestic dispute in Aroostook County escalated into violence Monday, resulting in injuries to a deputy, a police dog, and the eventual death of the suspect, authorities reported.

Maine State Police responded to an early morning call at a residence on 20 Ranger Street after a woman reported being assaulted by 29-year-old Steven Righini.

The disturbance forced law enforcement intervention to assist her safe departure from the home, where she had been with Righini and their four-week-old infant.

Upon arrival, officers engaged Righini, who was barricaded inside the house.

After initial attempts to coax him out peacefully, Righini emerged but resisted arrest, pulling a gun and firing at officers as he retreated back into the residence.

During the exchange, Deputy Shane Campbell was struck in the shoulder by gunfire as he and other officers were withdrawing from the driveway.

Continued efforts to resolve the standoff saw Righini later attempting to escape by vehicle, which was quickly disabled by the MSP Tactical Team.

Righini then fled on foot, during which he shot and severely injured a State Police K-9 named Preacher and subsequently brandished his weapon at officers.

Trooper Andrew Hardy and Sergeant Jonathan Russell responded, fatally shooting Righini.

The infant involved was safely recovered unharmed and returned to her mother.

Deputy Campbell received treatment for his injuries at Northern Light Hospital in Presque Isle and has since been discharged.

K-9 Preacher was transported to an emergency veterinary facility but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning.

Deputy Reid Clark, along with Troopers Hardy and Russell, have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General into the use of deadly force during the incident.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.