State trooper acted in self-defense, attorney general says

PORTLAND (WGME) -- Attorney General Janet T. Mills says a state trooper acted in self-defense when he chased and shot at an armed man last year.

Shane Prior, 34, of Cushing, shot his ex-girlfriend in the home of her friend in August 2016. When state police responded, he turned fire on Sergeant Jason Madore, who engaged in the use of deadly force when he shot at Prior.

While none of Sgt. Madore’s rounds struck him, Prior died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The attorney general concluded that Sgt. Madore acted to defend himself and others from the threat of deadly force by Prior.

The attorney general’s office investigates all police shootings.

Under Maine law, it is legal for an officer to use deadly force if the officer believes there is an imminent threat against someone.