PORTLAND, Maine — Portland police shot and killed an armed suspect Sunday night on Interstate 295 after he and officers exchanged gunfire.
Kyle Desmarais, 42, died when he and two officers, Jacob Webster and Jordin Jackson, exchanged gunfire on Interstate 295 in the area of southbound exit 2, the department said Monday morning in a news release.
Earlier that night, police were called about a report about an aggravated assault at about 11:40 p.m. in which a handgun was apparently displayed, but the man fled the scene before officers arrived, the release stated.
A description of the vehicle the suspect was apparently traveling in was sent over the police radio, and the vehicle was spotted traveling southbound on I-295 by officers who initiated a traffic stop.
"When officers attempted to communicate with 42-year-old Kyle Desmarais, he exited the vehicle and pointed a firearm at them," officials said in the release.
Desmarais was shot by the officers, who reportedly attempted first aid before he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neither officer was injured in the shooting, but their police vehicles were hit by bullets.
Both officers have been placed on administrative leave, as is standard protocol in police shootings.
The shooting is being investigated by the Maine attorney general's office, with assistance from the Maine State Police Evidence Response Team.
For the latest breaking news, weather, and traffic alerts, download the NEWS CENTER Maine mobile app.