Skowhegan, ME — A deadly police‑involved shooting in Skowhegan is now the focus of an active investigation by the Maine Attorney General’s Office, authorities confirmed today. The incident occurred Saturday evening and resulted in the death of a 30‑year‑old man, marking a rare and serious use of force by local law enforcement.
According to the Skowhegan Police Department, officers responded at approximately 6:33 p.m. to reports of suspicious activity at a residence on Water Street. Upon arrival, they encountered a man later identified as Kenneth “Carlos” Ortega of New York.
Police say Ortega refused repeated commands to stop and then discharged a firearm into the air before allegedly pointing the weapon in the direction of responding officers. In response, a police officer fired at Ortega. The man was transported to Redington Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, where he later died from his injuries.
The officer who fired the shots has been placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure in officer‑involved shootings as the case is reviewed. The Attorney General’s Office will lead the examination of the circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force, a typical protocol in such incidents.
Police have not released additional details about what prompted the initial call for police service or whether any other individuals were involved in the confrontation. Neighbors reported seeing a heavy law enforcement presence in the area as investigators secured the scene.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Maine Attorney General’s Office or the Skowhegan Police Department as part of the ongoing inquiry.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from law enforcement and investigative officials.