Gunman Shot and Killed by Maine State Police Following Violent Standoff

In a violent and tense standoff in Auburn, Maine, a gunman has been shot and killed by state police after attempting to break into a home and setting it on fire. The deceased suspect has been identified as Leein Hinkley, 43, who had been released on $1,500 bail just three days before the incident, following previous domestic violence charges.

The incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning when a woman made a frantic 911 call at 12:57 am from a home on Russell Avenue, reporting that her significant other was engaged in a fight with a man attempting to break into their residence, and that he was armed with a gun. Gunshots could be heard in the background of the call.

Deputy Police Chief Timothy Cougle stated during a press conference that the woman managed to escape through a window, while the male suspect she reported remained unaccounted for. By 1:09 am, the woman was found hiding on Russell Avenue, as the home she had fled burst into flames, with shouts heard from inside. The woman identified the intruder as Hinkley.

As police moved closer to the burning residence, the suspect opened fire, prompting a request for assistance from a Maine State Police tactical team. The situation further escalated when a second building caught fire. Hinkley managed to escape the blaze, seeking refuge in a nearby garage. The homeowner alerted the officers, but before they could apprehend Hinkley, he made his way onto the rooftop of another home, brandishing a firearm.

State Police Colonel William Ross disclosed that at approximately 5:36 am, members of the tactical team shot and killed Hinkley. Following standard protocol, the two officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit will investigate the underlying criminal conduct, while the Office of the Attorney General will focus on the police-involved shooting, as per Ross.

According to court records, Hinkley had a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2001. He had previous convictions for assault in 2003 and 2008, as well as burglary and violating a protection order in 2004, leading to a two-year prison sentence. In 2012, Hinkley was sentenced to 20 years following a conviction for stabbing his ex-girlfriend and a man who tried to intervene. He pleaded guilty to felony charges of elevated aggravated assault and aggravated assault, with an understanding that he would serve 15 years behind bars.

Fortunately, no officers were struck by the gunfire, although one officer sustained a minor leg injury while evading the bullets. He was treated at a hospital and subsequently released.

As investigators delve deeper into the events that unfolded, the community of Auburn, Maine, remains shocked by the violent nature of the standoff and the tragic loss of life. The incident serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers posed by domestic violence and the complexity of situations faced by law enforcement officers in their line of duty.