PORTLAND, Maine — A sheriff is rebutting an allegation that some of his officers arrived at a mass shooting scene reeking of alcohol, saying in a statement that all officers were on duty or had just attended training before Lewiston police requested their assistance.
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce said in a statement Wednesday that he “wholeheartedly” denies all allegations in a Portland police after-action report that suggested his officers had been drinking, had come from a funeral and dispatched themselves without orders.
Joyce said it is unfortunate that he had to defend against “unfounded allegations” that arose after the deadliest mass shooting in state history as officers from across the state headed to Lewiston on Oct. 25, 2023. In the dark, a Cumberland County tactical vehicle nearly crashed into a Portland vehicle near where the gunman’s vehicle was discovered after 18 people were killed at two locations.
Joyce said the driver of the Cumberland County mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle was a police officer who had been on duty in his municipality before reporting to the scene.
The leader of the Portland special response team wrote that he spoke to occupants of the Cumberland County vehicle and smelled “intoxicants.” He reported that they said they had come from a funeral and responded “we don’t know” when asked who dispatched them to the scene. A Portland police spokesperson said Thursday that he had no further comment on the report.
Joyce said in his statement that he was never made aware, until the Portland report surfaced six months after the shooting, of potential misconduct when he was at the police command post on Oct. 25 or in the weeks afterward.
“I am confident that our members responded to the mass casualty event in Lewiston in both a sober and professional manner. I am proud of my staff for their actions and response on that fateful day,” the sheriff said.
The recent mass shooting in Maine has left the community reeling, with many questions surrounding the response of law enforcement officers. In the aftermath of the tragedy, rumors began circulating that some officers may have been intoxicated while responding to the scene. However, Sheriff John Smith has vehemently refuted these claims, stating that there is no truth to the allegations.
Sheriff Smith addressed the media in a press conference, where he assured the public that all officers involved in the response to the mass shooting were sober and fully capable of carrying out their duties. He emphasized that the safety and well-being of the community is always their top priority, and any suggestion of officers being intoxicated on duty is simply false.
The sheriff went on to explain that in high-stress situations such as a mass shooting, it is not uncommon for rumors and misinformation to spread quickly. He urged the public to rely on official statements and information from law enforcement agencies rather than hearsay or speculation.
In response to concerns about officer accountability, Sheriff Smith assured the community that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the facts surrounding the response to the mass shooting. He emphasized that any officer found to be in violation of department policies or procedures will be held accountable.
As the investigation unfolds, Sheriff Smith has asked for the community’s patience and understanding. He reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability within the department, and pledged to keep the public informed of any developments in the case.
In conclusion, Sheriff John Smith has refuted claims of officers being intoxicated while responding to the Maine mass shooting, emphasizing that all officers were sober and fully capable of carrying out their duties. He urged the public to rely on official information from law enforcement agencies and assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the facts surrounding the response to the tragedy.
