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Dexter police officer shoots man during early-morning incident

Two law enforcement officers and the suspect were injured, according to Dexter police.

DEXTER, Maine — The Office of the Maine Attorney General is investigating the circumstances that led a police officer to shoot a man while trying to take him into custody in Dexter early Thursday morning.

The shooting happened shortly after 2 a.m. at a six-unit apartment building on Spring Street, Dexter police Chief Kevin Wintle said in a press release Thursday.

Wintle and Sgt. Gary Morin responded to a report of a man acting erratically. Upon arrival, they spoke with 34-year-old Christopher Hongo, who was yelling and acting aggressively, the release stated.

When police tried to take Hongo into custody, he resisted and assaulted both officers, Wintle said. He then pushed Morin over a rock wall and got on top of the officer, continuing to assault him, according to police. That's when Morin shot Hongo, Wintle said.

Hongo was taken to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

Wintle and Morin were taken to Sebasticook Valley Hospital for treatment. Both have since been released. They have been placed on administrative leave while the attorney general's office investigates the shooting, which is standard practice.

Nixon Rios, the owner of the building where the incident happened, told NEWS CENTER Maine Hongo is not a tenant in the building, but his girlfriend lives there.

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For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app.

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