On Monday morning, February 3, 2025, the fb88 State Police and Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office responded to 20 Ranger Street in Portage for a report of a domestic dispute with a female and 29-year-old Steven Righini. The female reported Mr. Righini had been fighting with her and pushed her into the wall.Ìý She requested assistance from law enforcement to help her leave the residence.

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When the Troopers and Deputies arrived, the female was out of the residence and Mr. Righini was inside with their 4-week-old infant. Troopers and Deputies communicated with Mr. Righini through a window and on the telephone and persuaded him to come outside. Troopers and Deputies attempted to take Mr. Righini into custody but he resisted. A struggle ensued and Mr. Righini pulled a gun from his waistband and shot at the officers as he retreated into his residence.

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As the Deputies and Troopers attempted to back out of the driveway Mr. Righini then grabbed another firearm and fired at the retreating cruiser, striking Deputy Shane Campbell in the shoulder. Deputy Reid Clark then shot at Mr. Righini. fb88 State Police negotiators attempted to negotiate with Mr. Righini for several hours.

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Mr. Righini refused to surrender and eventually tried to flee the residence in a vehicle. fb88 State Police Tactical Team members disabled Mr. Righini’s vehicle, and he fled on foot. Just before 8:00 pm, Mr. Reghini fired a shot at a State Police K-9 unit and wounded him. Mr. Righini then pointed his gun at the Troopers. Troopers Andrew Hardy and Jonathan Russell then shot Mr. Righini, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The infant child was not injured and was returned to her mother. K-9 Preacher was transported to an emergency vet and is currently in surgery with serious injuries. Deputy Reid Clark, Trooper Andrew Hardy and Trooper Jonathan Russell are all being placed on administrative leave as is standard protocol while the Office of the Attorney General investigates the use of deadly force in the police involved shooting. Deputy Shane Campbell was transported to Northern Light hospital in Presque Isle for treatment and was later released.Ìý

Please direct all further inquiries to the Attorney General’s Office.Ìý