Maine AG says Portland police shooting of gunman justified

WARNING: This article contains images that some viewers may find disturbing.

PORTLAND (WGME) — Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has ruled that two Portland police officers were justified in shooting and killing a Maine gunman on I-295.

The incident began on December 17, 2023, after police responded to a report of domestic violence in Portland. The suspect fled before the police arrived.

Police found the suspect's vehicle on I-295 south. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the southbound Exit 2 ramp.

Police say the suspect, Kyle Desmarais, 42, of Biddeford, got out of the vehicle, pointed a gun at them and began shooting at officers when they went to confront him.

In total, 11 bullets from Desmarais struck the two police vehicles, according to police.

Police say officers Jacob Webster and Jordin Jackson then shot Desmarais.

Desmarais died instantly. The police officers were not injured.

“This is a very difficult situation for everyone involved,” Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois said. “Our officers were placed in an extremely dangerous situation as they were both receiving gunfire but acted appropriately based on their extensive training. We are grateful that none of them were physically harmed during this violent attack. Our condolences go to the family of Mr. Desmarais. Sadly, this incident resulted in loss of life and we recognize the difficulties his family has faced since December.

According to Frey, Officers Webster and Jackson reasonably believed that Desmarais posed an imminent threat of serious injury or death when they shot him.

“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,” Frey said.

Desmarais had recently been released from prison after serving time for domestic violence before being killed by police. He was released in February, according to court records.

He pleaded no contest to two domestic violence assault charges and pleaded guilty to breaching the conditions of his release in December last year.