Maine Sheriff's Deputy Shot, K-9 Killed During Hourslong Standoff

By Gillian Graham

Source Portland Press Herald, Maine

Police killed a man who they say shot a deputy and killed a police dog during an hours-long standoff Monday in Aroostook County.

The incident began Monday morning when Maine State Police and the Aroostook County Sheriff's Office were called to 20 Ranger St. in Portage Lake, where a woman told police she had been fighting with 29-year-old Steven Righini. She said he had pushed her into a wall and was inside the house with their 4-week-old infant.

A man who identified himself as Stephen Righini of Maine posted a video to X during the standoff, where he said he was fighting for "righteousness and Christianity to be restored in this country."

After trying unsuccessfully to get Righini to come outside, troopers and deputies tried to take him into custody. While struggling with the officers, Righini pulled a gun from his waistband and shot at them as he ran back into the house, according to state police spokesperson Shannon Moss.

As deputies and troopers attempted to back out of the driveway, Righini grabbed another gun and fired at the cruiser, striking Deputy Shane Campbell in the shoulder. Deputy Reid Clark then shot at Righini, Moss said.

Over the next several hours, state police attempted to negotiate with Righini, who police said refused to surrender and eventually tried to flee in a vehicle. A state police tactical team was able to disable his car, and he fled on foot, according to police.

In the social media video, the man appeared to be crouched with a rifle while recording himself. He said police wanted to take away his newborn daughter after he had a small argument with his wife, and alleged that police tried to arrest him because of his political beliefs.

"Now they're trying to arrest me simply because I do not believe in gay rights and abortion," the man said.

Just before 8 p.m., Righini shot a state police K-9 named Preacher, who was rushed to an emergency veterinarian for surgery. Preacher, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, died early Tuesday morning while supported by his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell.

Posts on the same social media account show the man apologizing for shooting the officer, but saying he was defending his daughter.

Police say he then pointed his gun at the troopers and was shot by Russell and Trooper Andrew Hardy. Righini was pronounced dead at the scene.

Campbell was taken to Northern Light Hospital in Presque Isle for treatment and released Monday. Preacher, the injured dog, was taken to an emergency vet with serious injuries before dying early Tuesday.

The infant was not injured and was returned to her mother.

Clark, Hardy and Russell are all on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol while the Office of the Attorney General investigates the use of deadly force.

Campbell was previously a Farmington police officer and a school resource officer at Mount Blue High School.

Moss said Preacher served the greater Southern Field Troop area and the tactical team. Russell and Preacher attended the Maine State Police K9 Patrol School in the fall of 2023, where they became certified as a patrol team.

"K-9 Preacher was more than just a working dog — he was a dedicated partner, a protector and a hero," Maine State Police Colonel William Ross said in a statement. "Most people will never understand the sacrifices made by our K-9 teams, but last night, Preacher made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others from harm."

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