A Maine man was killed by authorities after fatally shooting a Maine State Police (MSP) K-9 named “Preacher” in the line of duty.
The 4-year-old Belgian Malinois was killed on Monday during a tactical team operation in Portage.
During a domestic dispute, Preacher and his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, were called to the scene, where a confrontational situation unfolded involving Steven Righini, who wounded a deputy from Aroostook, as outlined by MSP.
Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed on Monday during a tactical team operation in Maine. (Maine State Police)
Russell and Preacher completed training at the MSP K-9 Patrol School in Fall 2023, obtaining certification as a patrol unit. Their duties encompassed servicing the wider Southern Field Troop region and collaborating with the MSP Tactical Team.
MSP expressed condolences to Sgt. Jonathan Russell and the entire K-9 Unit following Preacher’s passing. The incident underscores the bravery and commitment exhibited by law enforcement officers and their K-9 companions.
