A man was fatally shot by a Maine State Police tactical team after an hours-long standoff in Auburn, triggering memories of a mass shooting in nearby Lewiston less than eight months ago. The man, identified as Leein Hinkley, had been released on bail days earlier on a probation violation. The incident began when he tried to break into a home and got into a fight with a man inside, prompting a woman to call 911 and flee through a window. The situation escalated as Hinkley fired shots at officers, leading to the evacuation of homes and the closure of a section of the street.
The standoff culminated in Hinkley fleeing to a rooftop, where he was eventually located by the tactical team and shot dead. Fire investigators later found human remains in the charred wreckage of a home, which had yet to be identified. Hinkley had a history of criminal behavior, including a conviction in 2011 for domestic violence and elevated aggravated assault. He had been released on bail with conditions, including house arrest at a Lewiston residence. The incident resulted in multiple explosions and the burning of two homes, with several vehicles also damaged.
Authorities are conducting investigations into both the criminal conduct of Hinkley and the police shooting. The two troopers involved in the fatal shooting will be on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident has left the community of Auburn in shock and mourning, especially in light of the recent mass shooting that occurred in nearby Lewiston. The events of that tragic morning have left many residents questioning the safety and security of their neighborhood, and seeking answers to the senseless violence that erupted.
The quick and decisive action of the Maine State Police tactical team ultimately ended the standoff and prevented further harm to residents in the area. The involvement of a potentially dangerous individual like Hinkley, who had a history of violent behavior, highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies being prepared and equipped to handle such threats. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of the incident, as they try to make sense of the violence that unfolded in their neighborhood. The investigation into the shooting and the events leading up to it will provide more clarity on what transpired that fateful morning in Auburn.
