POLAND, Maine — A deputy with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office faces charges following an alleged domestic violence and shooting incident Sunday in Poland.
Sgt. Brian Smith, 36, of Poland has been charged with domestic violence reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and threatening display of a weapon.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office told NEWS CENTER Maine that deputies responded to a call about shots fired on Everett Road. Investigators said he fired a weapon into the ground. They did not have any details on what led up to Smith allegedly firing the weapon.
Chief Deputy William Gagne said Smith "may be suffering from some mental health issues."
Smith underwent a "yellow flag" assessment Sunday, which was performed by the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office, according to Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce.
Maine's yellow flag law allows law enforcement to start the process of asking a judge for a warrant to remove weapons from a person who may be a threat to themselves or others. Joyce said that warrant was executed Sunday, but it was unclear whether Androscoggin County deputies seized any weapons from Smith.
After the call Sunday, Androscoggin County deputies took Smith to the hospital for an evaluation and later arrested him. Gagne said Smith was being held at the Androscoggin County Jail and was scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Lewiston District Court.
Gagne said no injuries were reported in the shooting.
Joyce told NEWS CENTER Maine on Monday that Smith was placed on paid administrative leave about a month ago "as a result of another personnel issue that I can't comment on."
As part of that case, Joyce said Smith had already turned over his department-issued firearms, cruiser, identification, and other equipment to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office prior to the shooting incident Sunday.
"The public should be disappointed because I'm disappointed," Joyce said. "But unfortunately, I don't hire robots. And it's an unfortunate situation. Everybody's innocent until proven guilty. As public safety, I've got to look out for not only the employee but the public that we serve and try to look out for their best interests, the public's best interests, as well."
Joyce said his department would do an internal affairs investigation based on the criminal charges and any future court proceedings. He also said he would investigate if Smith violated department policy.
Smith joined the department in 2015 and rose to the rank of sergeant.
Joyce said his office offers employees free mental health check-ins for one hour, once a year, which the county pays for. He said the details of who uses those services are anonymous.
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