Police killed a man in Aroostook County who they say shot a deputy and killed a police dog during an hourslong standoff Monday.
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 Steven Righini of Maine posted a video to X during the standoff, in which he said he was fighting for “righteousness and Christianity to be restored in this country.”
State police said Righini shot Deputy Shane Campbell in the shoulder and later shot a state police dog named Preacher, who was rushed to an emergency veterinarian for surgery and later died. After running away from the area, Righini was shot by Sgt. Jonathan Russell, Preacher’s handler, and Trooper Andrew Hardy.
Righini was pronounced dead at the scene.
THE STANDOFF
Officers were able to talk to Righini when they first arrived and persuaded him to come outside, state police spokesperson Shannon Moss said. But Righini pulled a gun from his waistband when they tried to take him into custody and shot at them as he ran back into the house.
Deputies and troopers were attempting to back out of the driveway when Righini grabbed another gun and fired at the cruiser, hitting 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.
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.
Posts on the same social media account show the man apologizing for shooting the officer but saying he was defending his daughter.
Righini eventually tried to flee in a vehicle. A state police tactical team disabled his car, and he ran off, Moss said.
Just before 8 p.m., Righini shot Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois. Police say Righini then pointed his gun at the troopers and was shot by Russell and Hardy. Righini died at the scene.
ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
Campbell was taken to Northern Light Hospital in Presque Isle and released Monday. The infant was not injured and was returned to her mother.

Maine State Police Sgt. Jonathan Russell and Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois who was killed in the line of duty on Monday. Maine State Police
Clark, Hardy and Russell are all on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol while the Office of the Maine 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 Col. 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.”
Staff Writer Morgan Womack contributed to this report.
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