UPDATE: Armed veteran killed by police is identified
By Mechele Cooper mcooper@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer
UPDATE, 3:49 p.m.
TOGUS SHOOTING: Maine State Police officers search the woods of Augusta, near the Togus Veterans Affairs reservation, after a fatal shooting Thursday involving police and an armed veteran. Kate Simmons, spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office, said the shooting came as a result of a confrontation between the unidentified veteran, a Togus police officer and two game wardens.
Andy Molloy
The Maine Attorney General's Office has identified the victim of this morning's fatal shooting as James F. Popkowski, 37, of Medway.
The law enforcement officers who shot Popkowski were Togus police officer Thomas Park and Maine Warden Service Sgt. Ron Dunham. Another member of the warden service, Joey Lefebrve, witnessed the confrontation, but wasn't involved with the shooting, according to the Attorney General's Office.
The Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy on Popkowski on Friday.
3:17 p.m.
AUGUSTA — One person is dead after a shooting involving police and an armed veteran near the Togus Veterans Affairs medical complex this morning.
Kate Simmons, spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office, said in a news release the shooting came as a result of a confrontation between the unidentified veteran, a Togus police officer and two game wardens.
"The game wardens witnessed the confrontation and stopped to aid the officer from Togus," Simmons said. "The armed individual, a male who was not a resident or staff person at the facility, was fatally injured."
There were no other injuries, Simmons said. Authorities said the name of the dead man will be withheld until family members can be notified.
Police from multiple agencies descended on Eastern Avenue after the shooting, which took place within sight of the Togus entrance. Simmons' news release said the shooting occurred "at the Route 17 gate of the Togus Veterans Affairs Medical Center."
Togus spokesman James Doherty said employees of the veterans' hospital reported hearing gunshots in the woods while on break shortly after 9 a.m.
The hospital went into lockdown following the shooting.
"All the patients, and all the staff, are fine," Doherty said.
Police draped yellow tape along a portion of the roadside and in front of a water pumping station. A portable lab from the State Police Crime Investigation Division parked nearby.
Attorney General Janet Mills and her chief investigator, Brian MacMaster, arrived shortly after the shooting.
"We believe (the shots) were near the facility. There's no evidence that he was shooting randomly in the woods," Mills said. "It's also consistent with our information that he was carrying (the weapon) in a threatening manner."
Mills said she did not know whether the dead man fired at officers.
Mills said the area is not a hunting area, but neighbors said they frequently see hunters in the area and people riding all-terrain vehicles. It is unclear if the shooting took place on private or federal property.
"I'm sure they're being debriefed and trying to get their wits about them," Mills said of the involved officers. "It's not an easy thing."
Paul Stevens, of Belgrade, who was visiting an uncle, Glenwood Shaw, who lives at 791 Eastern Ave., across the street from where the shooting took place, said he heard shots being fired as if someone were hunting. Stevens, who said he is a National Rifle Association instructor, said the shots appeared to come from a .22-caliber rifle.
Stevens said a tall, thin, older man wearing a plaid shirt was walking out of the woods carrying a gun. Stevens said the man appeared to be headed toward a pickup, as a Maine Game Warden and Togus police officer arrived.
"It was just like he was casually walking down the trail," Stevens said.
The wardens and Togus officer ordered the man to drop his weapon, Stevens said.
A few moments later there was a series of shots, Stevens said. He said one of the bullets appeared to hit the unidentified man in the neck and head area.
The pickup truck reportedly belonging to the man, a green Toyota Tacoma with veterans' plates, remained at the scene for several hours. Shaw said the pickup truck is often parked in the area and had been there several hours Thursday morning prior to the incident.
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Copyright ©2010 MaineToday Media, Inc.
179 COMMENTS
mutt said...
I guess he ended up dropping his weapon
July 8, 2010 at 11:53 AM Report abuse
Michigal said...
Were the police threatened? Was anyone else threatened? Seems to me the police might have jumped the gun on this one (pun intended). Seriously, if he was hunting, even if illegally, then why was he shot? Perhaps he didn't hear orders to drop the gun? Seems he was a veteran (due to plates on his truck). Unfortunately, no matter what really happened, the AG will call the shooting justified, as it ALWAYS does.
July 8, 2010 at 11:56 AM Report abuse
bXBhcmVudA%3D%3D said...
Yeah, everyone knows the cops are all SO eager to kill the people they serve & protect
July 8, 2010 at 11:58 AM Report abuse
O_o said...
We have no information or details, but clearly the police are all murderous thugs, gun crazy, rampantly shooting up the streets at whatever they fancy. right? *sigh*
July 8, 2010 at 11:59 AM Report abuse
ABC said...
Geez....I hope he wasn't just a hard of hearing squirrel hunter. Although it isn't squirrel season is it.
July 8, 2010 at 11:59 AM Report abuse
SMGray said...
Let's all jump to conclusions, shall we?
July 8, 2010 at 12:05 PM Report abuse
TheSaint said...
Michigal said... Were the police threatened? Was anyone else threatened? Seems to me the police might have jumped the gun on this one (pun intended). Seriously, if he was hunting, even if illegally, then why was he shot? Perhaps he didn't hear orders to drop the gun?__________Obviously, you live on another planet. When law enforcement orders someone to drop a weapon they are very serious. They also realize they themselves might get shot. If he didn't hear the cops ordering him to drop his weapon as you suggest; he would have at least seen them with their own weapons drawn. That would lead anyone to a conclusion to lay down a weapon based on a visual. If you now claim he might not have seen the officers from poor eyesight; he should not have been fielding any weapon. My guess is if you were in the cops place you would have been the very first to fire. I certainly would have.
July 8, 2010 at 12:11 PM Report abuse
tifosi said...
if I were a cop and someone pointed a gun at me...well you can guess.
July 8, 2010 at 12:11 PM Report abuse
c2FyYTMxOQ%3D%3D said...
from what i understand he fired AT Togus before all this happened. Those are innocent hospital employees and patients he could have killed, if that is the case, i'm ok with the cops shooting him.
July 8, 2010 at 12:12 PM Report abuse
Hipupchuck said...
Popular hunting area?
July 8, 2010 at 12:12 PM Report abuse
Krog said...
Michigal, do you know anything, ANYTHING about what has happened? You have the blurb here in this rag and that's it. It's armchair quarterbacks that make this blog amusing and at the same time depressing. Amusing that you basically have no idea what you're commenting about and depressing that folks who actually DO take on danger for a living get the brunt of wheelchair generals who snipe from their recliner. Since we KNOW NOTHING of what happened why not wait and find out some facts. I know that's a novel concept for this blog but let's try shall we? hummmm?
July 8, 2010 at 12:12 PM Report abuse
cruisin said...
Michigal time for your meds
July 8, 2010 at 12:26 PM Report abuse
MEMEMEME said...
Hello...Popular hunting area??? It is Federal Property and posted all over...NO HUNTING ALLOWED...
July 8, 2010 at 12:29 PM Report abuse
EyesWideOpen said...
This is just the perfect example of how well we take care of our vets that things get to this point.
July 8, 2010 at 12:37 PM Report abuse
coreyt said...
If this happend in Portland there would be 40 comments saying how people are too afraid to come here because of all these shootings and gangs and minorities.
July 8, 2010 at 12:45 PM Report abuse
ThomasPaine said...
Now the boys and girls will know what they're fighting for over in those foreign countries. What are they fighting for you may ask? Why, for the privilege to come home and get killed by their fellow comrades in arms while enjoying the illusion of freedom, that's what they're fighting for. The real motto of the police is not "To Serve and Protect", but rather it is "To Comply or Die!"
July 8, 2010 at 12:50 PM Report abuse
SilentK_ said...
This wouldn't have happened if he had a gun to protect himself.. uh.. no wait.. guns are dangerous? uh.. no wait.. Accidents cause people? Yep.. accidents cause people.
July 8, 2010 at 12:54 PM Report abuse
null said...
ThomasPaine, OUCH! Pretty harsh on the cops. Drop your weapon was likely the first command. When that didn't happen....Oh well. You see the consequences. Somebody finally held accountable for their actions. :)
July 8, 2010 at 12:55 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Only conclusion anyone might draw from this is "suicide by cop". No information on who, what, or if, he was shooting "at" anyone or anything specific in the woods. Point a gun at me, I'll feel awful bad about the situation, but if it's death you're looking for that's likely going to be the result. I'm going home at the end of the day, given a choice.
July 8, 2010 at 12:58 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Awful sorry for everyone involved here though. The deceased and family, officers on the scene, staff at the VA hospital who might have been treating this person. It's a terrible thing to have happen.
July 8, 2010 at 1:01 PM Report abuse
Jones824 said...
This could have been a mentally ill VET, we should take into consideration that TOGUS has a lot of these Vets, these VETS are not responsible and every effort needs to be considered before just shooting them down, this is TOGUS we are talking about, people are here because they are sick. The fact that the pickup had VET plates should have given you a clue. Some vets still think that they are at war fighting the enemy.
July 8, 2010 at 1:05 PM Report abuse
Pop2 said...
Just because we are Veterans dose not permit us to break the law .
July 8, 2010 at 1:06 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
ThomasPaine said... Now the boys and girls will know what they're fighting for over in those foreign countries. What are they fighting for you may ask? Why, for the privilege to come home and get killed by their fellow comrades in arms while enjoying the illusion of freedom, that's what they're fighting for. The real motto of the police is not "To Serve and Protect", but rather it is "To Comply or Die!" _____________ of course that's a rational assumption. Because we know how frequently Augusta cops shoot people; why it's a headline every day! IDIOT. Freedom doesn't extend to threatening cops! Grow UP!
July 8, 2010 at 1:09 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
Jones824 said... This could have been a mentally ill VET, we should take into consideration that TOGUS has a lot of these Vets, these VETS are not responsible and every effort needs to be considered before just shooting them down ______ I wasn't there, but I can tell you this, if it were MY husband standing there with an unstable person pointing a gun at him, I would pray he would have reacted the same way these officers did. It doesn't matter if you are a vet or if you are mentally ill, you cannot threaten another person's life and not be held accountable.
July 8, 2010 at 1:12 PM Report abuse
dfwelch said...
failure to comply with "Drop your weapon" is not typically the point when officers open fire. Typically, they wait until the weapon is maneuvered in such a way as to be a threat to them or others nearby (e.g. pointing the gun at officers). Regardless, with few details known at this point, everything is pure speculation, and unfortunately speculation based on what we've seen in the movies. All we REALLY know for sure is that this was a terrible accident and we must show compassion for everyone involved.
July 8, 2010 at 1:16 PM Report abuse
Old-school said...
Some posters really need to check themselves. The report said shots were fired before the police confronted the man. It is reported that the police approached and ordered the man to drop the weapon. Apparently, the man did not obey the order. Immediately some people conclude that he did not hear the order. Where does that come from? Hunting aquirrels? It is against the law to carry a firearm on federal property, such as a VA hospital. Go into any federal building, there are signs and metal detectors. The AG is at the scene, there are witnesses, we will find out what happened. As of right now, none of us know.
July 8, 2010 at 1:19 PM Report abuse
U2VhS2l0dGVu said...
Hester....your answer holds too much common sense for a bleeding heart who will save anyone (thing) at any cost....even if it means some innocent police getting blown away.
July 8, 2010 at 1:20 PM Report abuse
null said...
It amazes me how adults (I assume most of you are adults) can jump to conclusions of what may or may not have happened. It might be easier to wait to base your opinions when you know what happened. Maybe he was drunk and on a suicide mission, perhaps he was mad at Togus, perhaps, perhaps, perhaps. The possibilities are endless. In the end, this person has a family somewhere and they deserve compassion at this time and not insults from a bunch of people who have no clue of what really happened. Give it a rest, will ya?!
July 8, 2010 at 1:22 PM Report abuse
PilotPMX said...
Look, the fact of the matter is that there is no law enforcement division in the state that deals with people holding arms more than the warden service does. We don't know the facts yet, but I can't help but give the officer and two wardens the benefit of the doubt until the facts are on the table.
July 8, 2010 at 1:41 PM Report abuse
Equals said...
Mentally ill or not, if he pointed a gun at an officer it's a simple solution. Sorry folks, I'm sad it happened and what didn't happen before to stop it is a blemish on our society. It makes no difference whether or not you agree with the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, it's plain truth that our men and women in uniform need more assistance than what we give them. Until that happens unfortunate and sad things like this will continue. The police cannot wait until someones therapist shows up to talk a person down. If the investigation comes out a little differently than what is here and you conspiracy folks, Michigal, need to realize not everyone in authority is against you.
July 8, 2010 at 1:42 PM Report abuse
AR5 said...
Jones824 said: "every mentally ill person doesn't NEED TO BE GUNNED DOWN "====================== True. Which is why every mentally ill person is not gunned down. However, anyone shooting and not obeying a cop's orders to stop are going to get hurt. The cops have the responsibility to defend themselves, and the other people in the area, and it sounds like they did just that. Being a veteran and/or being mentally ill does not mean it is okay to shoot cops.
July 8, 2010 at 1:42 PM Report abuse
rmatts said...
Null that was good seek sympathy and compassion and then ask about the truck.... classic for these comment sections!!! kudos POP2- Amen short and sweet will be interesting to get the story when it comes together.
July 8, 2010 at 1:45 PM Report abuse
dfwelch said...
Rumor has it (from a coworker who knows someone working at Togus) that the guy had been to Togus today to apply for benefits and had been sent home due to lack of proper paperwork (denied benefits, basically). He then had gone back to his truck and was sneaking back into Togus with the gun to do who-knows-what.
July 8, 2010 at 1:51 PM Report abuse
mungo said...
I bet 90% of the police and wardens in this country are also vets. How about giving them the benefit of the doubt until we know the whole story.
July 8, 2010 at 1:53 PM Report abuse
null said...
There are two different Null accounts on here. I stated the compassion part and not about the truck.
July 8, 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse
mable14 said...
dfwelch - Just because someone has a gun doesn't mean they are going to seek revenge. Lets not spread such graphic, detailed rumors until we know just a little more info, OK? All that will do is start a riot. We don't need that.
July 8, 2010 at 1:59 PM Report abuse
null said...
dfwelch said... Rumor has it (from a coworker who knows someone working at Togus) c'mon dfwelch...from a co-workder who knows someone, who heard something from his next door neighbor's best freinds third cousin on his mother's side.... Give me a break...
July 8, 2010 at 2:00 PM Report abuse
Victoria said...
"The COPS are only TRAINED TO KILL, not trained to handle MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE,"------ Idiot.
July 8, 2010 at 2:03 PM Report abuse
csimaine said...
Jones 824 - mature post, what with all the name calling. I have compassion for Vets, and I have compassion for the mentally ill. In neither case do I feel either of those folks have the right to threaten anyone else (with a gun nonetheless), and have no reprocussions. You seem to imply that the police/wardens should have allowed themselves to potentially get killed because they were not a vet or mentally ill? It's a sad story all the way around. I grew up down the street from Togus and we were always careful for the safety of patients knowing that many of them had issues beyond just physical medical. I also know several people in law enforcement and know them to be excellent individuals. You can bet that whoever was stuck pulling that trigger, for whatever reason, is not resting easy and did not take this lightly. My heart goes out to both familes.
July 8, 2010 at 2:04 PM Report abuse
dfwelch said...
ROFLMAO, Yes, many a riot has been started by a possible explanation written into a comment section on a KJonline news story. I just can't stop chuckling . . .
July 8, 2010 at 2:05 PM Report abuse
Roger said...
Those two guys in camo sure are impressive! I can assure you that they both patrolled the halls of their high schools with "Kick me" signs taped to their narrow young shoulders. How long does it take to get that makeup on, anyway?
July 8, 2010 at 2:07 PM Report abuse
AR5 said...
Roger, really? That is your comment? How very telling.
July 8, 2010 at 2:10 PM Report abuse
Becky4651 said...
It amazes me that so many of the comments are against the Police... They are not just trained to kill as was mentioned here... This man may have been someone they knew and the last thing they wanted was to harm him. The shame you Basement dwelling free loaders should feel for saying these things.... Our Veterans give their lives for freedom which you seem to be enjoying to the max... Get a Job!
July 8, 2010 at 2:11 PM Report abuse
Divinity said...
There is usually a flock or two of turkeys near the tree lines at Togus. Someone who has just unsuccessfully sought help might well have needed to bag tonight's dinner before going home. If PTSD is an issue, there are alternatives to responding with fire. Jones824 has a very strong point regarding the need for special crisis trainings for law enforcement officers. We don't need a bunch of Ak Aks out there.
July 8, 2010 at 2:16 PM Report abuse
U2VhS2l0dGVu said...
Jones...just shut up. Many of you should be reporters...you already know what happened, apparently.
July 8, 2010 at 2:16 PM Report abuse
mainejeff said...
Send them to Portland!
July 8, 2010 at 2:20 PM Report abuse
MeC316 said...
Well if the truck was parked next to the water pump building then he was there by 6:30 this morning...I saw him on my way to work! I had to do a double take...make sure it wasn't a cop and that I wasn't speeding!
July 8, 2010 at 2:21 PM Report abuse
null said...
Anyone know how I can get a name and stop being "Null"? Makes me feel kinda empty.....
July 8, 2010 at 2:21 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
dozens of non-lethal means at their disposal and they choose to shoot the guy. tasers, gas, flash bangs, ballistic glass on cars/trucks, body armor, non-lethal shotgun rounds etc.. i saw a sniper shoot a weapon from a mans hand once. they could have funneled him in to an area and just simply hold him under siege until he relented. they DID not have to shoot him.
July 8, 2010 at 2:25 PM Report abuse
Dino90000000 said...
Next time maybe the elderly veteran gentleman will remember to wear his hearing aid like all the other times he walked that secluded trail carrying an unloaded gun. What a minute - There is no next time.
July 8, 2010 at 2:28 PM Report abuse
SoPoYo said...
Shoulda woulda coulda.... give me a break people. You weren't there, you can't even speculate as to what happened at this point.
July 8, 2010 at 2:35 PM Report abuse
Portcitylive said...
Michigal, Why don't we wait to hang the law enforcement people until it is investigated?
July 8, 2010 at 2:36 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
body armor and M4s firing a 223 round against a guy with a 22 who was likely hunting squirrels... these troopers must be so proud of their kill.
July 8, 2010 at 2:36 PM Report abuse
Gwedd said...
My complaint is the picture accompanying the article. If that really IS an image of Maine State Police, then it's a sad day for Maine. If these cops want to be soldiers, let them join the military. Cops should ALWAYS dress like cops, not soldier-wannabes or SWAT "secret squirrel" ninjas.
July 8, 2010 at 2:38 PM Report abuse
csimaine said...
DaveD - Fortunately, I don't think the police at Togus face combat all that often, so they may not be loaded up with "body armour and flash bangs". I would imagine there was not a lot of time to choose optional methods IF they were threatened in some way. Problem is, you don't know what they faced and neither do I. What I do know is shooting someone to kill is not often the first reaction of choice, do you think it was? Do you believe that whoever faced this thought, hey I have plenty of time to go suit up for impending battle, get my flash bombs out of the trunk, but nah... I'll just shoot him instead. Please.
July 8, 2010 at 2:39 PM Report abuse
MaineGal79 said...
Wow! It's amazing to me how many people on this post KNOW exactly what to do in this situation! Did any of you attend the Maine Criminal Justice Academy or have training like these officers? My guess is no.
July 8, 2010 at 2:39 PM Report abuse
Equals said...
Again the point is that it's a sad situation on both sides of the gun. One we may have a vet who didn't feel he was getting the help he needed and that this was the only option his distress came up with at the time. There are the police and game wardens who are confronting someone who is armed and is agitated. Again, police do wonders already with folks who are mentally ill and in stressful situations. It's when a firearm is involved that the equation changes. You do not have time to talk someone down if they suddenly raise a loaded gun at you. I'm not saying that's what happened, but again guns change the equation. So my thoughts and prayers go to everyone involved. They are all victims in one way or another.
July 8, 2010 at 2:44 PM Report abuse
t_rod65 said...
Until we hear the cold hard facts, all this is uncalled for and mere speculation. The only things worse than a rumor is another rumor, or in this case 51 of them. Wait until we all know what really happened.
July 8, 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse
null said...
Divinity said... There is usually a flock or two of turkeys near the tree lines at Togus Didn't you mean to say that there is usually a flock or two of turkeys waiting to post comments here?
July 8, 2010 at 2:47 PM Report abuse
bXBhcmVudA%3D%3D said...
Very well said, Equals. I am so sick of people alleging that the police officers are crazy gun heads just itching to shoot people. That is such a load of bull! They quite often break down afterwards because it's very stressful and the LAST thing they want to do. Some people here really need to get a life.
July 8, 2010 at 2:51 PM Report abuse
bXBhcmVudA%3D%3D said...
Gwedd ----- Did it occur to you for a second that they didn't know who else was in the woods? And in that case, camo would be VERY appropriate to use in that case. Do you really think it's somehow inappropriate for a police officer to have access to camo? Are they really all that different from soldiers to you? Grow the heck up and grow a brain. Please.
July 8, 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse
JulieP said...
WTF are the frickin SWAT jerks doing crawling around Augusta's woods? The Police State is here.
July 8, 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse
jimpmwo said...
I was volunteering at togus this morning shots were fired behind building 209 no hunting or firearms are allowed on togus except for law enforcement. the hospital went to lockdown and no one was allowed in or out. the person wether a vet or not caused great fear in many hundreds of people. he then refused to surrender and unfourtunatly was killed. as of 2:30 this afternoon they are still searching the woods in case he was not alone
July 8, 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse
bXBhcmVudA%3D%3D said...
police state... LMAO! Some of you are soooo stupid.
July 8, 2010 at 2:59 PM Report abuse
bXBhcmVudA%3D%3D said...
speaking of police state, can we not say "stupid" on this site? It is very stupid to compare this situation to a "police state."
July 8, 2010 at 3:02 PM Report abuse
backwrdstate said...
Suicidal? Deaf? Mentally ill? Some other reason?.......we can all just be proud that whatever his issue, the NRA defended his right to tackle it while armed.
July 8, 2010 at 3:04 PM Report abuse
Milt said...
Everyone STOP! Let me clear this up for all you authority haters - this man's shots nearly hit VA staff outside and the patients/staff inside the buildings his bullets hit. A number of people could have been killed and are lucky to be here, and VA property is federal; no hunting allowed. This attempted murderer was out of control on a rampage aiming at a facility with 3000 people on campus! Kudos to the officers for stopping him before he killed numerous individuals.
July 8, 2010 at 3:05 PM Report abuse
my-way said...
Pretty sad story. I hope the TRUTH comes out...whatever it may be. let's not jump to any conclusions just yet.
July 8, 2010 at 3:05 PM Report abuse
RADIOHEAD said...
Don't worry!! JulieP has the situation well under control. Armed only with her mouth.
July 8, 2010 at 3:06 PM Report abuse
Dino90000000 said...
I'm not seeing the picture of the Maine State Police that people are referring to. Are they that well blended into the woods?
July 8, 2010 at 3:10 PM Report abuse
librlrepblcn said...
Old_School said,"Hunting aquirrels? It is against the law to carry a firearm on federal property, such as a VA hospital." That's incorrect. It is illegal to carry a weapon INTO a federal BUILDING. And in the state of Maine, hunting is allowed year round for red squirrel. Whitnesses said they heard shots from the woods. It did not say they heard shots from the edge of the woods. The guy across the street said that when the guy came out of the woods the cops and game wardens were already there. That leads me to think he was quite aways in. Perhaps beyond the federally owned land that is posted.
July 8, 2010 at 3:11 PM Report abuse
common_cents said...
Suicide by cop....just a guess, but hopelessly depressed, chronic war injuries, etc. and ended it by refusing to surrender, Marines don't surrender do they? Trigger happy SWAT team? Guys who can't aim well enough to disable? Please wait until all the facts are in; right now it's a guessing game as to what exactly happened.
July 8, 2010 at 3:16 PM Report abuse
null said...
Michigal: You sound like Obama...you must feel the cops acted "stupidly" even though you don't have the facts. Perhaps the AG calls the shootings justified because they actually are. It's a tragedy that it happened but you are engaging in reckless speculation which will serve no one...only serves to inflate your ego by seeing your ignorant rant in print. No one knows more about confronting armed persons better than a Maine Game Warden...I too will give them the benefit of the doubt until we have the facts. Many of the posters here need to either get a life or find something productive to do with the miserable existance the call their life.
July 8, 2010 at 3:16 PM Report abuse
null said...
Time for a BEER SUMMIT!! WOOHOO. One more hour and the SUMMIT begins.
July 8, 2010 at 3:24 PM Report abuse
Dan said...
For the most part, the comments here are just plain stupid. A few stand out in their stupidity though, dwelch, michigal and jones824. Also, these posts say a lot of what people think of cops and/or vets.
July 8, 2010 at 3:30 PM Report abuse
thnkb4uspeak said...
What a sad day for so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with all involved including their families. We all know that this could have ended up a lot worse than it did. Remember to tell the people in your lives that you love them cause one never knows what is in store for them.
July 8, 2010 at 3:35 PM Report abuse
Haiku said...
Outrageous news "UPDATE: Armed veteran shot, killed by police" [(PPH - 7/8/10] makes me wonder for more information. Attorney General JANET MILLS doesn't know whether or not the dead man had shot at any police officer before being murdered in cold blood by police?!? MILLS as A.G. should be privy to that kind of information long before any dirt-sniffing news hound professional from the press corps rounds up her image with a camera and/or a tape recorder microphone. So, fellow Americans, do any of you know what's instead inside MILLS' silly Democratic Party mind? She wants gays in the military. She wants "gay" marriage. What's she up to in order to get that revolutionary change? Photo ops instead of facts don't make authority. What preceded deadly gun fire on the U.S. military veteran? Janet Mills should be terminated from her job ASAP due to incompetence for not being informed.
July 8, 2010 at 3:36 PM Report abuse
mungo said...
So all the NRA zombies are here to defend a this fellows right to hunt next to a hospital but no love at all for the 3000 vets inside the buildings.
July 8, 2010 at 3:38 PM Report abuse
cooper said...
Maybe he was an alien....wait...what's that??? Oh, it appears the article didn't give a lot of info so I shouldn't make up facts or base my conclusion on second hand facts????? Where's the fun in that?
July 8, 2010 at 3:42 PM Report abuse
cooper said...
.....and now we're jumped to gay marriage??
July 8, 2010 at 3:45 PM Report abuse
bXBhcmVudA%3D%3D said...
"all the NRA zombies" Seriously? Where? I only saw one person mention the victim and thanking the NRA for his right to have a gun, or something like that. And I believe that comment was tongue-in-cheek. Regardless, it was just ONE... not exactly worthy of your reference to all of the NRA zombies in full force here. Again...stupid.
July 8, 2010 at 3:50 PM Report abuse
Portcitylive said...
Haiku, Next time write a haiku at least that will be short and hopefully on point instead of a rant about unrelated matters. A man is dead and we don't know the circumstances. Save the vitriol for when the investigation is done.
July 8, 2010 at 3:51 PM Report abuse
O_o said...
i am always afraid that the police will shoot me, even justified. there are so many police shootings i will probably be next! always unjustified, they just start shooting everywhere. and they have camo! and big guns? this is an unbelievable response to some unknown guy shooting in the woods near a secure location. they'll probably start shooting people with weapons near schools next! aaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
July 8, 2010 at 3:55 PM Report abuse
Julien said...
Wow, very interesting case developing. I will say this, do any of you reading this article really believe that Atty. General Mills and Chief Inv. Macmaster are going to conduct a "fair" investigation? Macmaster has been around for two decades and has been part of every deadly force case during that time and guess what; they all have been justified, even a guy being shot in a wheelchair armed with a butter knife and an unarmed kid shot 5 times by a reserve officer who claimed the kid reached for his pistol. They even managed to explain away the shots to the back in that investigation LOL I mean seriously folks, whatever happened here doesn't matter to the A.G.'s office. The A.G. is a political position and I think we all know how honest politicians are. The only people more dishonest than politicians are lawyers who become politicians. Condolences to the family, you will recieve no justice from the state but you can sue the Federal Government for what appears to be a quick shoot!
July 8, 2010 at 4:02 PM Report abuse
kitterykid said...
A tazer would have been more humane>
July 8, 2010 at 4:04 PM Report abuse
M.D said...
Suicide by Cop? Read the guys post here from 2008 http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10660-stem-cell-transplants-from-women-raise-cancer-risk.html "Suicide is like a little devil, always on my shoulder and always tempting me"
July 8, 2010 at 4:06 PM Report abuse
null said...
Federal property, federal police officer--why would the Maine A.G. have any jurisdiction in the investigation?
July 8, 2010 at 4:07 PM Report abuse
M.D said...
More info http://www.magic-city-news.com/Community_5/Benefit_Bone-Marrow_Drive_for_Medway_Marine_186186.shtml
July 8, 2010 at 4:07 PM Report abuse
TomC said...
The guy didn't drop the gun fast enough, the cops didn't feel safe, so they acted to protect themselves. Always make sure the cops around you feel safe. You know, when I was a kid, it was the police's job to make the PUBLIC feel safe. Not the other way around - like it is now. Look, if these guys are so afraid of getting blown away, maybe they should just stay home.
July 8, 2010 at 4:10 PM Report abuse
hawkeye said...
There is a sign posted on the entrance roads to Togus Va. that states it is against the law to carry or otherwise have in your possession any fiream. If someone is roaming the woods at togus with a gun they are there with bad intentions period! To bad the system may or may not have failed this guy but he had absolutely no right what so ever endangering the lives of any one on that property! My sympathy to the guys family and to those that were in a position to feel threatened by his actions. One things for certain, He won't do it again....
July 8, 2010 at 4:13 PM Report abuse
Julien said...
Further, A.G. Mills should not be making any comments regarding what she knows or doesn't know. Already she has made assumptions that the deceased was firing at buildings but then states there is no evidence the deceased was firing randomly in the woods?? How about making no comment until you know what the heck truly happened but once again a marginal lawyer trying to gain her 10 seconds of fame for future political gain. I've never heard of an A.G. discussing the actual investigation before it's even remotely complete. Nice one Janet, we can only hope for further bumbling on your part and that of your "investigative team" so that maybe the truth can be gleamed from your missteps.
July 8, 2010 at 4:14 PM Report abuse
Krog said...
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Good job officers.
July 8, 2010 at 4:17 PM Report abuse
Riml said...
You mean it wasn't a diversionary incident for the 'Black Helicopter' assault??
July 8, 2010 at 4:18 PM Report abuse
1bright1 said...
Some of you people need to stop hating "the Man" and grow out of your hippy pot smoking ways. Cops are people, just like you and I. Maybe a few are blood thirsty killers, but I doubt anymore than any profession. Just because one carries a firearm for our protection doesn't make them want to kill people.
July 8, 2010 at 4:20 PM Report abuse
freedomusa said...
Jeese, it's crazy how everyone is so quick to judge the police whenever possible, yet they will defend a criminal till they are blue in the face. As for the people complaining about a police state? yeah, move to Tehran and see what a real police state is. Furthermore, the picture is that of the State Police Tactical team, they were in no way involved in the shooting; they are there to secure the area. The woodland cammies are not their everyday uniform it is the uniform they use in a woodland environment, weird. A little common sense and basic reading skills go a long ways. Sad situation, and screaming conspiracy does nothing good.
July 8, 2010 at 4:21 PM Report abuse
jimpmwo said...
libireplcn you are incorrect, it is illegal to bring a firearm or hunt on V.A. grounds. it is clearly posted around the grounds and at the entrances. take a drive out there and read the very large signs. the attorny general is there because a Maine officer is also involved.
July 8, 2010 at 4:21 PM Report abuse
Krog said...
Julien said... The investigations are available if you actually went to look for them. They're quite detailed and through. Were you to actually have any factual information based on credible sources perhaps you could discover exactally how such an investigation is conducted, who is interviewed, what evidence is collected and how decisions are reached. But I know it's much easier to sit back and snipe at the bad policeman.
July 8, 2010 at 4:21 PM Report abuse
jim118 said...
Why does a man go "hunting" anywhere near the Veterans Hospital? What was he hunting for at this time of year that was legal?
July 8, 2010 at 4:22 PM Report abuse
null said...
Right TomC- it was the cops'fault- we wouldn't want anyone to take responsibility for their mown behavior. Let me guess- they ndidn't keep score in athletics when you were a kid and everyone got a trophy so that no one had to feel bad about themselves.
July 8, 2010 at 4:23 PM Report abuse
1bright1 said...
As for the coincidence of a veteren from Medway happening to be hunting illegally just outside Togus? Right... Of course typically it's criminals who automatically blame the police and make them prove their innocence. Criminals and liberals, who can tell the difference on here?
July 8, 2010 at 4:24 PM Report abuse
lotekguy said...
I was on the phone this afternoon with a Togus employee,and this gentleman had apparently fired several rounds toward the building where two enployees were taking a smoke break prompting them to report the shooting. This apparently led to the subsequent search and resultant fatal confrontation. Let's all catch it on the evening news.
July 8, 2010 at 4:30 PM Report abuse
Badoog said...
The Maine Game Wardens have to deal with armed hunters every season and don't shoot any. If a Warden was forced to shoot another human being, I believe that it was as of a last resort.
July 8, 2010 at 4:35 PM Report abuse
null said...
freedomusa..GOOD POST!!! I say "way to go cops!" If a cop says to me put your hands in the air. My hands would be up and wouldn't come down until instructed to do so. Stop slamming the police. They did their job and, I'm sure, are suffering for it tonight!
July 8, 2010 at 4:40 PM Report abuse
Justiceall said...
Reminds me of the incident up north when an elderly woman had been terrorized by a bunch of hunters and the neither the warden service or any other "law" enforcement agency would help her. The warden service finally just ended up shooting her to death. Well, at least she did not have to be terrorized any more. As always the gestapo were cleared of any "wrongdoing"
July 8, 2010 at 4:45 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Jones824 said... This could have been a mentally ill VET, we should take into consideration that TOGUS has a lot of these Vets, these VETS are not responsible and every effort needs to be considered before just shooting them down, this is TOGUS we are talking about, people are here because they are sick. *** Yes, we do have to extend every courtesy, except standing around while they hurt someone else, or us. I'm truly sorry for the man's suffering, his illness, and his death. It comes down to choices, and he apparently chose to cope with his problems by acting in a threatening manner toward others with a firearm. That often results in someone getting killed. Not surprisingly.
July 8, 2010 at 4:51 PM Report abuse
JLogan said...
Justiceall, the incident you're referring to the Katherine Haggerty Shooting in which, Haggerty in a druken state SHOT at nearby campers with a rifle. Responding officers went to her residence and she raised a rifle at one of them. Boom. - - - - Please, stop referring to Maine police as the Gestapo. They're absolutely NOTHING like the Gestapo or the Waffen SS. Either tighten your tin foil or grow up. Either way if you want the job done better, sign up and join the force to show them all how it's done.
July 8, 2010 at 4:53 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
HesterPrynne said... you cannot threaten another person's life and not be held accountable. *** Well blow me down... Hester scored a 98% on that one. Great job, and the only disagreement I have is a really small one. It's not about "accountability". When I worked, and responded to calls like this, stopping the threat was the primary intention. "Accountability" doesn't count for much when you're leaking everywhere. I don't want him accountable, I want him to stop. If he's mentally ill, truly, he's likely NOT going to be held accountable. That's the courts' job, not line LEO's.
July 8, 2010 at 4:55 PM Report abuse
null said...
If he's out shooting a gun towards people and aiming it at the cops then we're all better off that he's dead whether he's mentally ill or not. Stop making excuses. Do you want him living across the street from you?
July 8, 2010 at 4:57 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Victoria said... "The COPS are only TRAINED TO KILL, not trained to handle MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE,"------ Idiot. *** Where'd you get your police training? Know any officers who have been out there long? We know where you're coming from now, at least. I've handled a bunch of them, never had to kill any. I'd have felt bad if I'd had to, by and large I liked most of them. Of course, most of them never pointed a gun at me...
July 8, 2010 at 4:59 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Divinity said... We don't need a bunch of Ak Aks out there. *** You could do alot worse, but given your predisposition toward biases and prejudices that suit you, you go on and on.
July 8, 2010 at 5:02 PM Report abuse
FrankMac said...
I think it’s great that we have this forum as a place to hide for those who, in their wildest dreams, would never have the nuts to wear a police uniform. So sit back and feel great about yourself for really having an opinion of substance about police work.
July 8, 2010 at 5:05 PM Report abuse
Justiceall said...
Censure 501....will try again....Connors did not like the comment about the killing of the elderly woman up north that was being terrorized by a group of hunters. Repeated attempts to get the warden service to respond went unanswered. Finally the warden service found a solution and just shot this elderly woman to death. This comment will probably be centured also.
July 8, 2010 at 5:10 PM Report abuse
paperbackwri said...
I think that he wanted the officers to shoot him since he had been thinking about suicide for a long time.
July 8, 2010 at 5:13 PM Report abuse
rushme said...
He was from Medway.....Enough Said!!!
July 8, 2010 at 5:23 PM Report abuse
Turk182 said...
I am an employee of VA Togus. I personally know that the VA Police Dept, which are Federal Police, are trained well in what they do. This is not something to be taken lightly as most of you seem to think it is. Most of you people have idiotic comments, shame on you. A person died here today and those doing the shooting will never forget this incident. My heart goes out to the family of James F. Popkowski and to Officer Park and Warden Dunham, my prayers are with you also. There can only be speculation as to why James would do what he did. Perhaps he had a mental problem or was frustrated with the VA...or that he felt all was lost and he figured suicide by police. We will never know why, only that his actions were a last resort. To set the record straight...Mr. Popkowski did not follow Police commands to lay down his weapon and made threatening movements toward Police. I know that Officer Park did everything within his means to make this indiviidual surrender his weapon.
July 8, 2010 at 5:35 PM Report abuse
PhyllisY said...
The camo and face paint put an incredibly bizarre picture on this ordeal. These guys must have been darned excited to dress up like soldiers. Probably couldn't wait to put down the enemy...
July 8, 2010 at 5:44 PM Report abuse
AFVET said...
Haiku: Will we ever know exactly what happened there -- just the cold hard facts?
July 8, 2010 at 5:44 PM Report abuse
henryelm said...
is it me or what?? Isn't it weird ( and dangerous) that the state troopers went into the woods in camoflague??? No I didn't expaect blaze orange either but....
July 8, 2010 at 5:47 PM Report abuse
XPortlander said...
Let's continue to help the homeless and let are Vets suffer.
July 8, 2010 at 5:50 PM Report abuse
EYESOPENED said...
An eye witness stated. " he was putting down his weapon when they opened fire" but of course they will get away with this, no police officer in Maine will ever be found guilty of anything, remember Kathryn Haggerty, remember the trooper who kiled a man in a wheel chair who had a knife, we all know that trooper was too slow to out run that nut..
July 8, 2010 at 6:11 PM Report abuse
Justiceall said...
JLogan The Haggerty case was a tragedy. Mrs. Haggerty had been driven crazy by those campers and hunters and could not get any help from the warden service...they just laughed her off. It was all just a game to the wardens...as I said...they found their "solution" they just killed her. That poor elderly woman finally found peace.
July 8, 2010 at 6:31 PM Report abuse
Justiceall said...
I have the utmost respect for decent law abiding law enforcement officers. It is the gustapo element and young thugs that are finding their way into our law enforcement agencies that are the problem. Unfortunately the police and wardens do NOT police their own and they cover up for these killers, as do our courts. When you have had an uncle that was a police officer shot to death in the line of duty you fully understand all of the ramifications. Today, our officers are sometimes little better than the criminals...they shoot first and ask questions later. Just the numbers of gustapo killings and the types of people they are killing: disabled in wheelchairs, the elderly etc. All situations that most likely could have been handled without that instant urge to KILL
July 8, 2010 at 6:47 PM Report abuse
middleone said...
I send prayers to Mr. Popkowski's family and to the officers involved. This is a tragic situation, and people commenting here need to have some patience before rushing to judgment.
July 8, 2010 at 6:55 PM Report abuse
AFVET said...
By the way -- that was a haiku. It got reset in the transmission. I think, though, that I ask a valid question.
July 8, 2010 at 7:34 PM Report abuse
Dollar+Bill said...
It will all be whitewashed as usual.
July 8, 2010 at 7:39 PM Report abuse
Dollar+Bill said...
It will all be whitewashed as usual.
July 8, 2010 at 7:39 PM Report abuse
mungo said...
It seems he suffered from sever depression brought on by his long struggle with cancer.
July 8, 2010 at 7:48 PM Report abuse
CommomSense said...
Turk182...well said..and if the police didn't react quick enough? Then what?? It's easy for idiots to arm chair quarterback a split second decision. I'm waiting for the "why didn't they just shoot the rifle out of his hand?"
July 8, 2010 at 8:13 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
female teacher brings a loaded handgun to school and she gets to repeat her gun safety class. a man brings a small caliber (.22) in to the woods and he gets killed. no, the scales aren't tipped. this incident is outrageous ! there are dozens of NON-LETHAL options these guys could have used - body armor, kevlar and .223 M4s are a bit excessive against a guy with a squirrel gun.
July 8, 2010 at 8:13 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
someone reported gunshots - saw the veteran plates and it was game on. don't you people recall Janet Napolitano (HomeLand Security Sec.) stating that all veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are considered 'threats' ? or did that one slip by you when you were watching American Idol ? the state troopers were all excited when they heard that - any other day in Maine a person shooting a gun in the woods is common place - add a veteran plate and suddenly it's open season on the Vet.
July 8, 2010 at 8:19 PM Report abuse
Ayuh23 said...
Assuming the man was acting irrationally: Thousands of mentally ill vets are treated at Togus each year and have been ever since the facility opened. It used to be called "shell shock" and now it's PTSD, but it's still a waste of a perfectly good man. He died serving his country- it just took a while after the actual battle for it to occur. I'm surprised this hasn't happened sooner.
July 8, 2010 at 8:25 PM Report abuse
Common+Sense said...
DaveD I guess you're right. Little ole squirrel guns can't kill people. As far as non-lethal options, they aren't options at all if you don't have a lethal option side by side as a back up when confronting deadly force. I don't know about Togus PD or the Warden Service, but I can tell you that I don't have dozens of non lethal options in my trunk. I have three, a Tazer, a baton and pepper spray, none of which are an option when facing a suspect with a gun.
July 8, 2010 at 8:31 PM Report abuse
mrrogers said...
One of the TV stations said an eye has it on his camera phone and he is the guy who said the soldier was putting down his weapon........
July 8, 2010 at 8:42 PM Report abuse
1wouldthink said...
It will come down to just what the "displayed a weapon in a threatening manner" was. Did he point it at them? Was his finger near or on the trigger? Did he fire the weapon towards them? Was it an equal force or excessive? Need more details.
July 8, 2010 at 8:56 PM Report abuse
demelza said...
Whatever the full story is, did they have to kill him in order to disarm? Tragic..he was a vet which makes it even more so. I have come to believe that the police like to kill. It always happens. No one ever comes out alive. Why can't they disarm another way? Because they don't want to. Remember Katherine Haggerty.
July 8, 2010 at 9:20 PM Report abuse
russellofnj said...
This dos not sound to good to me.. We will hear more tomorrow....
July 8, 2010 at 9:21 PM Report abuse
MeJeepNut said...
I think I want to hear more on this.I want to know why law enforcement showed up there? How often this guy was there? Was he hunting? What they said to him and what he said back.
July 8, 2010 at 9:23 PM Report abuse
Dino90000000 said...
From the NRA instructor who witnessed this:"Stevens said a tall, thin, older man wearing a plaid shirt was walking out of the woods carrying a gun. Stevens said the man appeared to be headed toward a pickup, as a Maine Game Warden and Togus police officer arrived." He was 37.
July 8, 2010 at 9:23 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
common sense - the state troopers were there. you people make me sick implying that just because this guy is a veteran that A. he served in combat and always B. he must be crazy. There are non lethal options - how about a couple of attack dogs ? how about tear gas, flash bangs, less than lethal projectiles... run the guy down with a cruiser that has ballistic glass in it.... my God, they killed a guy that very well could have been just plinking cans. cops in biddeford just last year emptied their magazines on a woman that was holding an air pistol. this is outrageous not only that it happened but, that people like you always side with these trigger happy officers.
July 8, 2010 at 9:42 PM Report abuse
Beachgirl said...
There is NO HELP for the MENTALLY ILL in MAINE! Rest in peace dude, hope the demons let you go on to heaven! Wake up folks the world is turning men's minds to mush and you have to get on a very,very long waiting list to have someone hand you 60 bottles of pharmaceuticals to further scramble your brain. THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I... peace out brother!
July 8, 2010 at 9:44 PM Report abuse
Cook said...
I don't know why I read these things. It's always the same. Do you remember 9/11? We united as ONE and helped each other. Who were the first to arrive on scene? The same people you always want to drag down now as gun happy murderers. You make me sick! Have you ever been in this position yourself? Picture it...see yourself facing danger, knowing YOU could be the only line of defense for many innocent people. Scary, isn't it? You keep saying "poor vet", well I happen to know that Officer Park is a veteran of the Gulf War himself. He has had plenty of training and I sincerely doubt he is "gun happy". He's probably seen more then he cares to. Stop being so judgmental when you don't know the whole story. Please. These men have a lot to deal with and your insults and slamming do not help. Maybe you don't care - well, then I feel sorry for you and hope you never need their services...sleep well!
July 8, 2010 at 9:50 PM Report abuse
ThomasPaine said...
Hey HesterPrynne, who said anything about freedom icluding threatening cops and how do you truely know that Mr. Popkowski actually threatened any cops? Seems like the guy I saw on the news tonight said that he witnessed this victim coming down the trail that comes out of the woods and when he made a move to put down his weapon, that's when your lovely cops supposedly shot Mr. Popkowski to death. Like I said before, Comply or Die, that's their true motto.
July 8, 2010 at 10:15 PM Report abuse
Common+Sense said...
DaveD, did we read the same article? The state police didn't arrive until after the fact. Ballistic glass in cruisers? You watch too much TV my friend. No where did I say that he was a crazy vet either. No one was more respect for veterans than police officers.
July 8, 2010 at 10:21 PM Report abuse
1bright1 said...
This thread is proof positive that we need to change our laws on allowing everyone to vote. Some of you are far too stupid to be assisting in making any decisions on what is best for the people of you community, our state or country. Yet another reason to keep marijuana illegal and enforce the laws on the books. We wonder why this country is in such a mess.
July 8, 2010 at 10:25 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
common sense - ballistic glass is affordable for one... and they (the state police) have it in certain vehicles. secondly, for every 20 Maine veterans killed in action in Afghanistan/Iraq... there has been 1 killed by cops in Maine - 3 so far including this one. or, dont you recall the gardiner pd slaughtering a vet in south gardiner ?
July 8, 2010 at 10:54 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
cops hate veterans. the former chief of the state police told me directly that (while he was there) he would NOT hire an Iraq or Afghan war vet. this state especially is hostile to vets; in the workplace, housing and elsewhere. i'd strongly recommend that any vet owning a car or truck - DO NOT put VET plates on the vehicle. you are a target... just like this guy was - look at all the postings here... and the article itself... so what if he was a vet... he was in the woods plinking with a 22 rifle and they cut him down with heavy weapons... gimme a break
July 8, 2010 at 10:59 PM Report abuse
MeJeepNut said...
I guess he posted a sign implying that doctors were killing him by denying him stem-cell medicine.From what I understand from other web sights he had a rare form of cancer and there had been a bone marrow drive for him a few years back.I got this info off other web sights that offer real information.He was making a statement........His and his familys pain is now over.To bad there was not a cure for him and thankfully he didn't hurt anyone as I am sure he was fully capable of but chose not to
July 8, 2010 at 11:02 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
a US Marine shoots an enemy who moments before had been firing AK's and RPGs at his men... and you people want HIS head on a platter. Jack Murtha put 7 Marines on trial for a crime they did not commit in Haditha. there are more US combat veterans in the brig/stockade or jail awaiting trial for alleged war crimes than there are enemy in Gitmo. oh but a state trooper guns down a man with a 22 rifle and he's a HERO. your priorities are wrong... or don't you get that
July 8, 2010 at 11:02 PM Report abuse
mungo said...
You Tea Baggers need to calm down. Well over 90% of the police and game wardens are Veterans. The idea that cops would enjoy shooting a former Marine is beyond crazy.
July 8, 2010 at 11:09 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
the majority of 'cops' that serve(d) in Afghan or Iraq did so with private security firms. the made several if not tens of times more money that actual soldiers/Marines made. as for comments about 'who rushed in' on 9/11... give me a break. you paint cops with this brush that they are all some sort of super hero... while in the same breath you minimize those who serve in the military as people who were 'inner city' or 'poor rural' folk who were just looking for some college money. pull out the 911 card when it's timely - fact is these guys were trigger happy and killed a man - that in your estimation was struggling with some 'demons' because he's a vet. if he had been a painter or pizza guy.... would the headline read 'armed painter' or 'armed pizza guy' killed by police ?... no.
July 8, 2010 at 11:13 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
mungo - if your facts are true - then there are some seriously mentally ill people serving in uniform here in maine, huh ? if your estimate is factual doesn't it scare you as a liberal thinking us crazy vets are running around with guns ? these cops had it in for this guy.. you don't show up in that level of gear without a clear intention of killing - M4s, Kevlar helmets, bullet proof vests ?.... they were there to kill this guy... and make it out that he's some crazy vet... cuz look... his license plate says he is.
July 8, 2010 at 11:17 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
you idiots don't understand that this is going on country wide. the number of veterans killed by cops is staggering.
July 8, 2010 at 11:23 PM Report abuse
xoxo2010 said...
As a friend of the family, I think the whole situation is sad, but what is infuriating is people slinging snide, presumptuous comments. No one knows all the facts and regardless of WHAT actually happened, the families or friends of all involved are likely to read the comments. Many of you should be ashamed of yourselves. If your comment can't say, "Thoughts and prayers to all involved", I suggest you zip it.
July 8, 2010 at 11:29 PM Report abuse
punk51 said...
carry a gun and see what happens...open carry people ought to be very nervous...sorry, but if you are dumb enough to carry weapons in public then this is a likely happening...glad the cops and game wardens are ok, would rather have then on the trail then a crazy vet with a gun
July 8, 2010 at 11:32 PM Report abuse
Common+Sense said...
Well there, DaveD has me convinced...that he is off his rocker. Watch out DaveD, I think I hear that black helicopter hovering over your house.
July 8, 2010 at 11:34 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
2010 - that's the problem... people should be hearing about this because it doesn't just happen here... cops are killing vets throughout the country.... they have been instructed to respond with force any time it's know a vet is involved.... the state troopers went there with the intent to kill this guy... sorry it hurts the state troopers families feelings but... read up a bit and you'll find great numbers of vets are being gunned down by cops.
July 8, 2010 at 11:34 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
the vet is dead. the DA will find the cops were justified and they go about their lives and duties looking for the opportunity to shoot another veteran.
July 8, 2010 at 11:37 PM Report abuse
DaveD said...
common sense - read up a little bit there buddy... put down your latest gay novel and wake up to the fact that even according to the VA it is a country wide epidemic of veterans being killed by 'authorities'... do a bit of home work bud before you open your mouth. you are free now to return to your liberal activities.
July 8, 2010 at 11:46 PM Report abuse
Common+Sense said...
A gay novel and liberal activities huh? I did not know that about myself, thanks.
July 8, 2010 at 11:52 PM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
punk51 said... carry a gun and see what happens...open carry people ought to be very nervous...sorry, but if you are dumb enough to carry weapons in public then this is a likely happening...glad the cops and game wardens are ok, would rather have then on the trail then a crazy vet with a gun *** You're as crazy as he was... so how's the "No Firearms on Federal Property" thing working anyway? How is it working anywhere it's in effect? Simple fact... it's not, and can't, work. Lunatics and criminals do not care about signs and laws folks. Anyone can't see that is blinded by the ideology that guns cause crime. Sure they do... sure they do. And spoons made Rosie fat... computers and pencils cause bad grammar and spelling errors too...
July 8, 2010 at 11:54 PM Report abuse
MeJeepNut said...
Common+Sense said... Well there, DaveD has me convinced...that he is off his rocker. Watch out DaveD, I think I hear that black helicopter hovering over your house.- add that to the goverment watching him through his TV and submarines trying to poisen him through his toilet and his postal person works for a double secret spy agency who is on a triple dare to see if gets P-38's in the mail,because that would tell all!!!!!
July 9, 2010 at 12:03 AM Report abuse
Julien said...
I agree with comments about Park, seems to me he had things under control until the Sgt. came running in to assist! Park is a good man who would never take such action unless he had to. Hopefully we'll find out if the incident was really captured on video. One other thing, can someone tell the Chief of the State Police to volunteer his tactical team for a mission in Afghanistan? I mean seriously folks, these guys are out of control. Most of them have no military experience and are over compensating for it with their hut, hut, hut mentality!! Did they really think we had a group of PTSD Vets "dug in" just waiting to ambush them in the woods? come on!!! Just another exampmle of cops trying to convince us of their extreme bravery when in fact the real hereos are over fighting a war for us with little or no recognition! So, last I knew, U.S. Army is looking for "tactically sound" soldiers, let's see you guys "cowboy up" as infantrymen in the mountains of Afghanistan.
July 9, 2010 at 12:12 AM Report abuse
MeJeepNut said...
Julien said....julian said a pile of crap.....Julien,town cops,county cops,and Maine state police will never have anything to do with the US military as part of a military operation as part of there town,county,or state job! EVER!!!!!
July 9, 2010 at 12:20 AM Report abuse
Common+Sense said...
That's right, because there are never multiple shooters or people dug in waiting to kill multiple cops. (Pittsburgh April '09, Oakland March '09)
July 9, 2010 at 12:22 AM Report abuse
Dgigs said...
The assumptions people are making in their comments make me sick. So many peoples lives changed with this incident, and not for the better. The police officers and game wardens did the best they could with the information they had at that time. "Why didn't they taser him, use cruisers with ballistic glass..." come on! Woulda, shoulda, coulda. There main concern was the safety of themselves and innocent people in the surrounding areas. Thank God for the law enforcement and their protection. DaveD--get your info right. The state police did not shoot this man. And if you know so much about law enforcement maybe you ought to try it out--see how you fare in a similar situation--when you feel your life may be threatened. What a joke that you think law enforcement has it out for vets--when the police officer that responded was actually a veteran himself. Shame on you! My heart goes out to all that were involved. It was a very sad tragedy.
July 9, 2010 at 2:37 AM Report abuse
Morality said...
Sad that the media prints a fraction of the story and ignorant people run with their twisted ideations.....I have faith in our law enforcement and I am proud of the fact that Maine has never had an unjust shooting. My prayers are with the family of the deceased and the officers involved.
July 9, 2010 at 4:10 AM Report abuse
Dan said...
Justiceall, You sound like a complete liberal idiot. People like you are a danger to society. I suggest you seek professional help for your mental illness. You are one sick puppy.
July 9, 2010 at 6:44 AM Report abuse
Dan said...
mungo, how stupid are you?
July 9, 2010 at 6:46 AM Report abuse
Eric said...
maybe next time a guy shooting a gun should be left to kill someone or a police officer first. they the use of lethal first would be justified. but reading the comments here some of you people think we should just go up and hug the guy and all will be right. some of you make the police out to be the bad guys always. well they are trained to handle these types of situations. If i were a cop and a guy with a gun so much as pointed a gun in my direction, he would be dead. better the crazies than the police officers
July 9, 2010 at 7:07 AM Report abuse
backwrdstate said...
"DaveD said... you idiots don't understand that this is going on country wide. the number of veterans killed by cops is staggering."....................there is a lot that is staggering about violence in this country. What makes this particular death any more special than the other 15,000 or so that are delivered to us by the sacred NRA every year?
July 9, 2010 at 10:01 AM Report abuse
null said...
DaveD, you sitting in your reinforced bomb shelter basement, wearing your tinfoil hat so Big Brother can't read your thoughts? You are OUT there brother.....
July 9, 2010 at 10:26 AM Report abuse
ThomasPaine said...
If I were that guy who took a video via his cellphone of the cops shooting Mr. Popkowski, I'd be uploading, emailing and even posting it to YouTube and Google BEFORE giving a copy to the AG's office or anyone in government.
July 9, 2010 at 11:17 AM Report abuse
common_cents said...
So he was an ex-Marine, had chronic depression, and a fatal disease....and there are hundreds, perhaps thousands like him homeless, etc. wandering around Maine....Where's Michaud when you need him; or is he going to use this Marine as a soapbox to enrich his Togus union cronies with more funding? FACT based evaluation of the success or failure of VA programs at TOGUS is long overdue!
July 9, 2010 at 11:31 AM Report abuse
Dino90000000 said...
I'm not blaming law enforcement for what happened. But I am directly holding our country and the VA accountable for what happened.
July 9, 2010 at 11:53 AM Report abuse
null said...
Dino90000000, and I'm sure they're shaking in their shoes knowing that....
July 9, 2010 at 12:17 PM Report abuse
Dino90000000 said...
We should be.
July 9, 2010 at 12:28 PM Report abuse
Justiceall said...
Dan said... The truth really hurts doesn't it Dan??? They did not print my last comment but obviously Dan read it so.....which journalist are you Dan????
July 9, 2010 at 12:51 PM Report abuse
Justiceall said...
Dan said... HUH maybe not a journalist but a warden that has access to all the comments written in....Just how thick IS your neck "Dan"?
July 9, 2010 at 12:54 PM Report abuse
Tonto said...
Sounds like suicide by cop. Happens a lot. His cancer and depression and pain probably just became too much. BTW, there doesn't seem to be any connection between the disease and his service in the Marines so why are so many blaming the Feds and the cops? People get cancer all the time, even little kids. A terrible shame all around.
July 9, 2010 at 1:53 PM Report abuse