A Maine State Police K9, Preacher, was killed in the line of duty on Monday night during a Portage Lake shootout that left one Aroostook County deputy injured and the suspect dead after he opened fire on law enforcement during a domestic dispute.
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“K9 Preacher was more than just a working dog—he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero,” said Maine State Police Colonel William Ross. “Most people will never understand the sacrifices made by our K9 teams, but last night, Preacher made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others from harm.”
The K9 unit, along with a state police tactical team, arrived at 20 Ranger St. in Portage Lake to assist the Aroostook Sheriff’s Department during a standoff with an armed suspect that began when deputies responded to a reported domestic violence incident.
An unnamed woman initially called the police and accused the suspect, 29-year-old Steven Righini, of shoving her against a wall during a fight.
Deputies arrived to find the woman outside the house, with Righini barricaded inside with the couple’s four-week-old baby.
Deputies were initially able to convince Righini to come outside, but when they attempted to arrest him, he reportedly pulled a handgun from his waist and opened fire.
As the deputies were retreating, Righini produced a second firearm and shot Deputy Shane Campbell in the shoulder.
Campbell was transported to the Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital in Presque Isle and has since been discharged.
Righini remained barricaded in the house with the infant during an hours-long standoff following the arrival of the State Police tactical team.
He eventually attempted to escape in his car before police disabled the vehicle.
During the escape attempt, Righini once again opened fire on law enforcement, this time hitting Preacher, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois in the abdomen.
Sgt. Jonathan Russell, Preacher’s handler, and Specialist Andrew Hardy returned fire, killing Righini, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preacher was brought to an emergency veterinarian clinic in Presque Isle, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities have not revealed whether the infant is safe following the incident.
