Two Portland Police officers involved in a December 2023 shooting that resulted in the death of an aggravated assault suspect were acting in self defense, according to an investigation by Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey.
The incident in question occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2023, when Portland Police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in progress where a handgun was displayed.
The assault suspect, 42-year-old Kyle Desmarais, fled in a vehicle southbound on I-295 and was stopped officers on the Exit 2 off-ramp in South Portland, at which point Portland Police officers Jacob Webster and Jordin Jackson attempted to communicate with him
According to Attorney General Frey, Desmarais then exited his vehicle, pointed a firearm at the two officers and started shooting at them, firing a total of 15 rounds — 11 of which struck both police vehicles.
Officers Webster and Jackson then returned fire, striking Desmarais, who was pronounced dead at the scene after the officers attempted to perform emergency first aid.
The two Portland Police officers were not injured in the shooting.
“When Officers Webster and Jackson shot Mr. Desmarais, they reasonably believed that Mr. Desmarais posed an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to each of them,” Frey wrote in his report.
“All the facts and circumstances point to the conclusion that Officers Webster and Jackson reasonably believed they were acting in defense of themselves and each other at the time they used deadly force,” he wrote.
The Portland Police Department is conducting its own internal review of the incident, “in order to assure compliance with agency policy and guidelines, and determine the need for improvement in such areas as equipment, training or policy guidance,” Professional Standards Lieutenant Jake Titcomb said in a Friday press release.
In response to Frey’s report, Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois said that the officers acted appropriately and in accordance with their training, and expressed gratitude that the officers were not injured in the incident.
“This is a very difficult situation for all involved,” said Chief Mark Dubois. “Our officers were put in an extremely dangerous situation as they were both taking gunfire, but acted appropriately based on their extensive training. We are thankful neither of them were physically injured during this violent attack.”
“Our condolences go out to the family of Mr. Desmarais,” Dubois added. “Unfortunately this incident resulted in the loss of life and we recognize the difficulty his family has been dealing with since December.”
Attorney General Aaron Frey’s full report on the incident can be read here.
6 months to determine that police being shot at thought they reasonably believed that Mr. Desmarais posed an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to each of them,
WTF
Thank you Portland Police for ridding us of another one of society’s dregs .
Bye Bye Bad Guy .
So sad .