Press Releases

Contact: Edie Smith, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Media representatives can receive press releases via e-mail.

Telephone: cell (207) 592-4348

November 11, 2011

Statement from Colonel Joel Wilkinson of the Maine Warden Service

Augusta, Maine – Colonel Joel Wilkinson released the following statement this morning to address the shooting incident that took place in Rumford yesterday, and resulted in the death of Eric Richard, age 46, of Rumford.

The Maine Warden Service and Maine State Police were called to assist the Rumford Police Department with searching for Mr. Richard who was reported as despondent.

It is routine for the Warden Service to assist in searches in the woods when requested by local law enforcement.

The search team that included Maine State Troopers, Maine Wardens, and a State Police tracking dog, encountered Mr. Richard, who was armed. Warden Jeremy Judd, age 34, of the Gray District, discharged his firearm. Mr. Richard received gunshot wounds at the scene. The manner of death has not yet been determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

An autopsy will be performed today.

The Maine Warden Service realizes the tragic circumstances that effect all the persons involved, including the family of the deceased. The Maine Warden Service is fully cooperating with the investigation being conducted by the Office of the Attorney General.

As defined by Maine Warden Service policy, Warden Judd has been put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

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