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Maine AG's office investigating Presque Isle officer's use of deadly force

Sgt. Tyler Cote shot a 25-year-old Presque Isle man around 7:15 p.m. Sunday, according to a release from Presque Isle police.
Credit: Getty Images

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Office of the Maine Attorney General is investigating a Presque Isle police officer's use of deadly force.

Sergeant Tyler Cote shot Jacob Poitraw, 25, of Presque Isle around 7:15 p.m. Sunday, according to a release Monday from Presque Isle police.

Poitraw later died at an area hospital, police said.

Two people Saturday reported to police that Poitraw reportedly threatened them with an assault rifle after a road rage incident, according to Monday's release. Police said they were unable to locate Poitraw on Saturday but said he called the Presque Isle Police Department and "issued threats against law enforcement," Monday's release stated.

On Sunday night, police said Cote saw Poitraw driving and attempted to stop his vehicle. Police alleged that Poitraw refused to stop, led Cote on a chase, and rammed into Cote's cruiser several times. The chase ended at the intersection of Main Street and Davis Street, where police said Poitraw "again rammed and disabled" Cote's cruiser. That's when Cote shot Poitraw, according to police.

Cote is on paid administrative leave while the Maine attorney general's office investigates.

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