A Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a 61-year-old man on Tuesday after the man aimed a firearm at officers responding to reports that he was suicidal and in possession of a gun.
Franklin County dispatchers received a call around 5:47 PM, warning that a man, later identified as Lawrence Scott, was potentially suicidal and in possession of what the caller believed to be a BB gun.
A second caller reported a male on the Salem side of a bridge on Salem Rd in Phillips with a gun, though the caller did not specify the type of weapon.
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Deputy Jesse Clement arrived on the scene and located Scott on the side of the bridge.
Clement attempted to talk Scott into accepting help, but Scott refused.
Clement repeatedly demanded that Scott drop his weapon, but Scott refused, and reportedly aimed his weapon at the officer.
The sheriff’s deputy then fired his weapon at Scott.
Emergency medical responders provided first aid on the scene, but they were unable to resuscitate Scott, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff Scott Nichols has placed Clement on administrative leave, following standard procedure for any officer involved shooting.
The Maine Attorney General’s Office will conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Sheriff Nichols did not specify whether Scott’s firearm was a BB gun, as the first caller believed.
Point your gun at a police officer and you will get shot .
That’s pretty simple to understand .
Maybe this was just a case of “ suicide by cop “ .
Sad for all involved and the cop should get a medal for putting the guy out of his misery .
Cut out the middle man, I like it.
The cop did his job.
The first caller stated he thought it might have been a BB gun? How would anyone know that, especially the cop? Looks like he fulfilled his wish and desire. Mission accomplished.