Steven Righini Obituary, Death; – A police K-9 was fatally injured and an officer sustained wounds during an armed standoff in Maine, as reported by officials on Tuesday. The suspect was also deceased.
The incident commenced on Monday evening when the Maine State Police and the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of domestic violence at a residence in Portage Lake, Maine, according to CBS affiliate WGME.
The altercation involved an unidentified woman and 29-year-old Steven Righini. The woman informed law enforcement that Righini had assaulted her and pushed her against a wall, WGME reported. Upon the police’s arrival, the woman was found outside, while Righini remained inside the home with their four-week-old infant, as stated by WGME.
Officers attempted to apprehend Righini, but he resisted arrest, WGME noted. He then drew a firearm from his waistband and fired at the officers while retreating into the house. Deputy Shane Campbell was shot in the shoulder during this exchange, WGME reported. Righini subsequently retrieved another weapon and fired at police vehicles as they attempted to exit the driveway, according to WGME.
Deputy Reid Clark returned fire at Righini. Following this, law enforcement spent several hours attempting to negotiate with Righini, who ultimately refused to surrender and attempted to escape in a vehicle. Police disabled the vehicle, prompting Righini to flee on foot.
The K-9, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois named Preacher, was deployed to apprehend Righini, as stated by state police. Righini shot at the dog, hitting him in the abdomen. He then aimed his weapon at the troopers before being shot by two officers, identified by WGME as Troopers Andrew Hardy and Jonathan Russell, with Russell being Preacher’s handler.
Righini was pronounced dead at the scene. The infant was safely returned to the mother. Officer Campbell, who was shot in the shoulder, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Preacher was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic, where he was stabilized for several hours before ultimately succumbing to his injuries.
