Police kill motorist in traffic stop
SUV reportedly dragged officers
PORTLAND, Maine - Two police officers shot and killed a motorist as they were dragged during an attempt by the victim to flee from a traffic stop, officials said yesterday.
Shots were fired after officers Nicholas Goodman and James Davison got entangled in
The victim, Albert Kittrell, 48, of Portland, was taken to Maine Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead Saturday night, Ridge said.
The officers, who were treated and released from the hospital, were placed on administrative leave during an investigation.
Representatives from the attorney general's office visited the scene Saturday night as part of an investigation into the officers' use of deadly force, said David Loughran, spokesman for Attorney General Steven Rowe.
The episode began as a routine traffic stop at 9:45 p.m. Saturday in which the officers determined that Kittrell's license had been revoked as a habitual offender.
Kittrell began to drive away and the officers attempted to stop him, Ridge said.
"During this time, several gunshots were fired," Ridge said in a statement. "The vehicle was brought to a stop."
Ridge didn't explain how the officers became entangled in the sport utility vehicle. He also didn't say how many shots were fired or whether one or both officers fired their guns.
