Maine Officer Shoots, Kills a Man After a Chase That Began in NH

An Oxford County Sheriff's Deputy was hurt in a police chase that ended with the subject being shot and killed by a Fryeburg Police Officer.

Where Did the Police Chase Begin?

The police pursuit began in New Hampshire when the driver of a black pickup truck refused to stop. New Hampshire authorities notified Maine police agencies as the vehicle approached the state line. Members of the Oxford County Sheriff's Department and Fryeburg Police tried to get the driver to pull over on Main Street in Fryeburg but he refused to stop. During their pursuit, the pickup hit many vehicles on Main Street before crashing into the snowbank in front of Norway Savings Bank.

What Do We Know About the Fatal Shooting?

The driver, who has been identified as Kenneth Ellis, 52, of New Hampshire got out of the vehicle and approached Fryeburg Officer Michael St. Laurent, who had stopped right behind the truck. Officials say the suspect was brandishing a knife and was shot by Officer St. Laurent. Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene.

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This incident will be investigated by the Office of the Maine Attorney General, which is standard procedure in any officer-involved shooting. Officer St. Laurent is on administrative leave, pending the outcome of that investigation.

How Was the Deputy Hurt?

Oxford County Sheriff's Deputy Justin Groetzinger sustained non-life-threatening injuries in a separate motor vehicle crash, as he assisted in the pursuit of Ellis's truck.

The Sun Journal reports that Groetzinger's cruiser struck a vehicle that had turned in front of him on Main Street in Fryeburg.